Big Y to acquire seven A&P supermarkets

Big Y Foods, Inc. of Springfield, Mass., is acquiring seven A&P Supermarkets in Connecticut, including the stores in Mystic and Old Lyme.

Charles L. D'Amour, company president and chief operating officer, said in a prepared statement: "The acquisition of these stores provides an opportunity for Big Y to move into some key locations that make it a natural fit for Big Y by filling in holes within our existing markets. And, despite the troubling economy, we are especially excited about providing our employees with opportunities as we grow within our home markets."

The affected stores include: Branford at 1060 Main St.; East Haven at 745 Foxon Road; Middletown at 820 Washington St.; Mystic at Stonington Road; Naugatuck at Route 63; Old Lyme at 90 Halls Road; and West Hartford at 772 North Main St.

Notices to the state Department of Labor from A&P about the changes indicate there are 88 employees at the Old Lyme store and 95 workers at the Mystic location.

Big Y said all existing A&P Supermarket employees would be given an opportunity to be interviewed for work at Big Y. The company plans on holding local job fairs in order to interview any interested applicants for positions in the markets. In addition, applications will be accepted via their website at www.bigy.com, the company said.

Sam Martin, president and chief executive officer of A&P, said that the sale of the stores is part of his company's "comprehensive turnaround strategy."

"These seven stores were clearly outside of our core markets and their sale was necessary," he said in a statement.

Martin continued, "The company faces many difficult decisions over the next several months which are required to strengthen our foundation and improve our performance going forward. As we implement these initiatives, we remain mindful of the impact on our associates. I would like to thank the affected associates for all of their hard work and dedication over the years."

The acquisition from the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company is expected to be complete by the end of October. Neither company released terms of the agreement.