Largest US grocer Kroger closes Harris Teeter buy

MATTHEWS, N.C. (AP) -- The country's largest traditional supermarket operator says it's completed its purchase of regional grocer Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc.

Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. said Wednesday the agreement to pay Harris Teeter shareholders $49.38 per share closed Tuesday. Harris Teeter Chairman and CEO Thomas Dickson is retiring.

Matthews-based Harris Teeter has more than 200 stores in eight southeastern and mid-Atlantic states, including locations in Delaware, Florida, Maryland and Washington, D.C., where Kroger did not have a presence.

The combined company will operate more than 2,600 supermarkets and employ nearly 370,000 people across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Harris Teeter will keep its name along with other Kroger subsidiaries including Fred Meyer, Fry's, Dillons, King Soopers, QFC and Ralphs.