Fresh Market Inc. shares jumped as much as 14 per cent on a report that founder and Chairman Ray Berry is exploring a bid for the grocery chain.
Berry is looking into a buyout with help from a private-equity firm, according to a report from Reuters, which cited people familiar with the discussions. Berry, who owns 4.1 per cent of the company, also may team up on a deal with son-in-law Michael Barry, who has a 6.4 per cent stake, Reuters said. No offer has been made, and a deal may not come together, according to the report.
The stock rose as high as $27.70 in New York on Friday, the biggest intraday gain in more than two years. Shares of the Greensboro, North Carolina-based company had been down 41 per cent this year through Thursday’s close.
The report caps a turbulent week for the supermarket industry. Albertsons Cos. delayed its initial public offering on Wednesday, and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. suffered its worst one-day stock decline in 27 years after warning of a profit decline.
Fresh Market didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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