Mergers & Acquisitions

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Fresh & Easy is slated to open its first six stores in the Sacramento region in 2012.

The stores will include three in Sacramento, one in Lincoln, one in Elk Grove and one in Folsom. The chain, which has opened 13 stores in northern California this year, opened a store in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco last week.

Seattle -- Seattle's Best Coffee, which is owned by Starbucks, has opened 12 stores since April, bringing it to almost 100 locations in the United States and Canada. The expansion reflects the chain’s strategy to build upon the brand’s broad distribution network of franchised locations, company-operated stores, relationships with restaurant chains, and foodservice locations.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot announced that it is now expanding its retail store presence in the Caribbean territory as part of its franchise agreement with Benmore International.

Indianapolis -- The Finish Line has invested $8.5 million to acquire an 18-store chain of specialty running shops with locations in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. The stores operate under banners such as Greater Boston Running Co., Texas Running Co., Georgetown Running Co., Princeton Running Company, New York Running Co. and others.

New York City -- Lord & Taylor will unveil a new concept called Lord & Taylor Home on Friday, at Fashion Center shopping center in Paramus, N.J.  A second location, in Shrewsbury, N.J., is expected to open in several weeks. Lord & Taylor is owned by NRDC Equity Partners, which also owns Canada’s Hudson Bay Co.

The leadership transition Costco announced this week was hardly unexpected considering outgoing CEO Jim Sinegal is 75, but it does underscore what arguably has been one of the greatest distinctions between Costco and Sam’s clubs for the past 25 years, namely the stability of senior leadership.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — First it was Steve Jobs, and now Costco’s legendary co-founder Jim Sinegal is stepping down as CEO.

Boston -- High-end wedding dress maker and retailer Priscilla of Boston said Wednesday it will close at the end of the year. Its 19 store locations were shuttered on Wednesday, and its brands, which include Jewel by Priscilla of Boston and Platinum For Priscilla of Boston, also will be discontinued.

"After nearly 65 years of serving some of America's most beautiful brides, we have made the difficult decision to close our salons after a thorough review of the business environment," the company said in a statement.