LAKELAND – The rumor mill says Publix is interested in acquiring supermarket chain Harris Teeter, but that scenario appears doubtful.
Representatives for Lakeland-based Super Markets Inc. continue to dismiss rumors that the company would consider purchasing Matthews, N.C.-based Harris Teeter. Moreover, one supermarket analyst said such a deal would be out of character for Publix, which has been known for its slow and steady approach to growth.
"They are just so conservative and so fiscally smart, I just don't see them taking that kind of risk," said David Livingston, a Wisconsin-based supermarket analyst and consultant.
Publix is in the midst of its first expansion into North Carolina, with plans to open two stores in the Charlotte area in 2014.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Lakeland Ledger
