Bruno’s asks for emergency auction

Birmingham, Ala. Bruno’s Supermarkets on Tuesday sought permission from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to “sell all or substantially all of its assets” in an auction later this month.

The company, in court papers, said “an emergency sale” of the company -- either as a going concern or to a liquidator -- is in the best interest of its estate and creditors after it failed to attract a “stalking horse” bid.

Bruno’s said Tuesday it “continues to negotiate with potential purchasers and remains open to the possibility that interested parties may submit stalking horse bids for some or all” of the company.