Spartan Stores anticipates the closing of the transaction late in its fiscal 2006 fourth quarter or early in its fiscal 2007 first quarter. Upon completion, the transaction is expected to increase the company's retail segment sales by approximately $200 million annually and to be accretive to earnings within the first 12 months.

Spartan Stores has been operating as a grocery wholesaler in the Michigan market since 1917 and as a retail operator since 1999. D&W Food Centers has been operating retail grocery stores in the Michigan market since 1943.

The agreement is subject to certain conditions including, among others, satisfactory completion of the company's due diligence process.

Spartan Stores distributes more than 40,000 private-label and national brand products to more than 350 independent grocery stores in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Spartan Stores also owns and operates 54 retail supermarkets and 19 deep-discount food and drug stores in Michigan and Ohio, including Family Fare Supermarkets, Glen's Markets and The Pharm.

D&W Food Centers is a family owned and operated food retailer that employs approximately 2,200 associates and operates 20 retail stores, with a strong emphasis on its fresh departments.

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Stock %Chg Industry Mkt Cap Spartan Stores $20.91 +2.75% Grocery $458.0M Quote data as of: 03/31/2008 12:09 PM