Distribution

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens will acquire 144 stores operating under USA Drug, Super D Drug, May's Drug, Med-X and Drug Warehouse banners in an agreement valued at approximately $438 million.

Home Depot has announced the expansion of its major appliance brands by adding Whirlpool, Electrolux and Frigidaire in a limited number of stores and on Homedepot.com.

The appliances will be available through the company's Depot Direct delivery network and available to be ordered in all U.S. stores. Depot Direct includes more than 3,000 appliances delivered and installed to the customer's home within one to five days of purchase. Appliance purchases through Depot Direct include free delivery and haul-away.

HAMILTON, Bermuda — Bacardi Limited has named Gianpaolo Perego as regional president of Latin America with responsibility for leading all operations in the region for the internationally known portfolio of premium spirits. Perego will manage the execution of the overall strategy for the Latin American region, as well as the general management of a diverse business comprising 19 countries. In this role, he will also be a member of the Bacardi Leadership Team. The appointment takes effect July 9.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire Stephen L. LaFrance Holdings Inc., the owner and operator of the USA Drug chain, for about $438 million, gaining stores in several Southern states. The acquisition comes on the heels of Walgreens’ announcement that it was buying a 45% stake in Alliance Boots GmbH for $6.7 billion last month to expand globally.

Austin, Texas -- Dallas-based SRS Real Estate Partners said that three new store locations have been finalized for Baskins Western and Work Wear in Baton Rouge, La.; Lafayette, La.; and Katy, Texas. 

The new stores will include 12,000 to 15,000 sq. ft., and will bring the western apparel retail chain to 28 total locations.

Carlisle, Pa. -- Ahold subsidiary Giant Food said it has commenced its conversion of 15 former Genuardi's stores. The announcement follows FTC approval of Giant Food’s plan to acquire 15 Genuardi's stores, located in the greater Philadelphia area, from Safeway.

During the conversion process, five stores at a time will temporarily close for about a week. The three-phase staggered approach is expected to be completed on July 22.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. -- Johnny Rockets said Tuesday it has finalized a franchise agreement with restaurant entrepreneur Antonio Augusto Ribeiro de Souza to open 30 restaurants in Brazil. 

This news follows recent announcements of the chain's new franchise agreements in Peru and Ecuador, as well as the opening of its second restaurant in Chile and its first in the Dominican Republic.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food has commenced its conversion of 15 former Genuardi's stores.

The announcement follows Giant Food, an Ahold subsidiary, getting the green light from the Federal Trade Commission for its plan to acquire 15 Genuardi's stores, located in the greater Philadelphia area, from Safeway.

During the conversion process, five stores at a time will temporarily close for about a week. The three-phase staggered approach is expected to be completed on July 22.

Family Dollar’s third quarter results were not as good as expected, but only marginally so, and the company’s growth strategy and potential to steal traffic from Walmart remain intact.

Walmart’s Bodega Aurrera stores in Mexico and Lider stores in Chile are among the most valuable Brands in Latin American, according to an extensive new report by global communications giant WPP.