Mergers & Acquisitions

Minneapolis -- Supervalu Inc. said that it has named Gerald Storch, who served as CEO of Toys “R” Us from 2006 to 2013, as board chairman.

The supermarket company said Storch will replace Robert Miller, who is resigning as chairman in March to focus on “other demands.” Miller, then president and CEO of Albertsons, was named chairman last March after Supervalu completed the sale of five of its grocery chains.

The Hain Celestial Group, an organic and natural products company, has acquired Tilda Limited, a Basmati and specialty rice products company. Tilda brand's portfolio includes more than 60 dry rice and ready-to-eat products under the names Tilda, Akash Basmati and Abu Shmagh.

San Antonio, Texas — The Retail Connection has brought retail development veteran David Berndt on board to extend the company’s tenant driven retail development capacity. Berndt will join as Development Partner of The Retail Connection | Connected Development Services. In that role, he will lead the company’s development platform in Central and South Texas.

The Retail Connection is expanding its capabilities across the board in Central and South Texas, adding senior brokerage leaders too.

Phoenix -- PetSmart Inc. announced changes to its management team in conjunction with the retirement of its president and COO, Joseph O’Leary.

PetSmart CEO, David Lenhardt, will assume the title of president and CEO when O’Leary steps down. The company will not replace the COO position. Instead it will realign the responsibilities among four newly created executive VP positions, with Lenhardt assuming the title of president and CEO, with the changes effective April 4, 2014.   

Best Buy has elected Cabela's president and CEO Thomas L. Millner to its board of directors.

“Tommy is a well-regarded CEO who has successfully transitioned his organization from a traditional retailer to one that is highly respected as an effective omnichannel player,” said Hatim Tyabji, chairman of the Best Buy board of directors. “Best Buy is on the same journey and Tommy’s insights will, no doubt, be valuable as the Company looks to even better serve its customers wherever and however they want.”

Tampa, Fla. — Burger 21, a new concept from The Melting Pot Restaurants, has announced the opening of its first restaurant in Virginia. To be located in Ashburn, the restaurant, which is approximately 3,200 sq. ft., will be one of four units planned for the Greater Washington, D.C., area.

Currently, Burger 21 has 11 restaurants open and 17 franchised locations in development across the U.S. Plans call for a minimum of 15 additional restaurants in the Greater Washington, D.C., area.

Atlanta -- Christine Day, the outgoing CEO of Lululemon, has been appointed CEO at Luvo, a start-up frozen-food company that focuses on healthy, low calorie, low sodium meals. Day’s appointment is effective April 1.

New York -- Regional discount retailer Fred’s is making some big changes to its merchandising and operations groups to begin 2014 and has retained several firms to review strategic opportunities.