A Bloomberg report says Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Cos. is considering acquiring Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.
The report, which cited “people with knowledge of the matter” says Albertsons, which is backed by Cerberus Capital Management, held “preliminary talks” with Sprouts.
“The discussions, which took place in recent weeks, are at an early stage and may not lead to a deal…”
Albertsons operates more than 2,200 stores following its acquisition of Pleasanton, Calif.-based Safeway in 2014. The company considered an initial public offering in 2015, but backed off those plans due to market conditions.
Sprouts operates around 250 stores across the U.S. in the “premium natural and organic foods” category of retail.