Finance & Capital Management

The Federal Trade Commission is poised to block Staples Inc.’s proposed take-over of rival Office Depot, according to the New York Post.

The newspaper reported that federal regulators are "leaning against the deal and are preparing to block it."

According to the report, the FTC is mostly concerned that a merger between the two office supply retailers will result in a single nationwide giant to serve big corporate and government clients.

The FTC has until Dec. 8 to decide whether to sue to halt the deal after extending its review.

CBL & Associates Properties announced that it has closed on the disposition of Waynesville Commons, a 128,000 sq. ft. community center located in Waynesville, North Carolina. The property was purchased for $14.5 million by affiliate of Yale Realty Services Corp.

Haggen has received approval from a federal bankruptcy court to sell 47 stores. Included in the sale are 33 supermarkets to Albertsons LLC, which formerly owned the stores. Albertsons sold the stores to Haggen just less than 12 months ago.

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American casual dining chain Red Robin has experienced nearly half a century of growth and prosperity. From the time the first Red Robin was established in Seattle in 1969, the brand has evolved to become a popular success and a familiar presence in cities and towns across the country. Today, there are more than 520 Red Robin locations nationally, and the brand is well known for its gourmet burgers, family atmosphere and quality beer options.

Boss Facility Services announced the addition of Keith Powers, who will focus on the addition of national accounts specifically in the preventative maintenance and R&M space for HVAC, lighting, general repair and janitorial sectors.

Powers brings a diverse sales background to his new job, having worked in varying industries, most recently serving as regional eServices/eCommerce manager for Advance Auto Parts in which he was responsible for increasing multiple revenue streams.

Chain Store Age recently spoke with Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe’s Innovation Labs, who discussed the mission and activities of the retailer’s proprietary technology development center.

It’s official: Smart & Final Stores is acquiring 32 Haggen stores in Central and Southern California.

Smart & Final has been approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court to purchase 32 store leases – four of which are supplemental to the chain’s previously announced stalking-horse bid –from affiliates of Haggen Holdings for a total cash purchase price of approximately $68 million. Smart & Final plans to convert the 32 stores to its Extra! Store format.

It’s official: Smart & Final Stores is acquiring 32 Haggen stores in Central and Southern California.