It seems like every week there’s a new rumored buyer – or a major investor suggesting a sale -- for Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market Inc.
Today’s rumor involves an investor that owns a 2.5% stake in Whole Foods urging the company to sell. The Street, citing Dow Jones, says Neuberger Berman wants the company to sell.
Here are the buy and sell rumors, to date:
- Neuberger Berman says SELL.
- Jana Partners, which owns a 9% stake in the company, wants it to sell;
- Could Albertsons/Safeway want a bite of Whole Foods?
- Albertsons/Safeway also is rumored to be shopping for Whole Foods nemesis, Sprouts Farmers Market
- What about Kroger Co.? Kroger has is “strategically” partnered with Lucky’s Market, but THIS analyst thinks Whole Foods is a better option.
- Amazon, too, was sniffing around last year, but opted to swipe left.
- But one analyst says all of these rumors are just that – rumors.
What do you think? Whole Foods is starting a new wave of 365 concept stores, the latest of which opened last week, is lowering prices and focusing marketing and messaging on core shoppers.
Will they make it through the latest wave of consolidation?