Ferrero buys leading US better-for-you brand

Berkshire Hathaway increased its Alphabet stake 83% to about 106 million shares, worth nearly $38 billion at June 30, after agreeing to buy $10 billion of Alphabet stock in a June private placement and buying 19.6 million shares on the open market, according to a portfolio disclosure. Berkshire also bought net $20 billion of stocks in Q2.

Kroger says it has closed at least 39 stores across nine banners as part of a plan to shutter 60 underperforming locations by end-2026, according to reporting and company statements. Closures span Kroger, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, King Soopers, Mariano’s, Pick ‘n Save, QFC and others. Kroger also plans faster expansion and a $1.65B Giant Eagle acquisition, per outlets.

Taylor Farms recalled prepared salsa and guacamole containing jalapenos sold via retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s and Hannaford, citing potential salmonella contamination. The recall followed Coast Citrus Distributors’ pepper recall. CDC and FDA are investigating an outbreak with 345 illnesses in 27 states. Taylor also faces prior cyclosporiasis scrutiny.

Kroger is pursuing grocery expansion after the FTC blocked its planned Albertsons deal, agreeing to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion. Aldi, privately owned, plans a $9 billion U.S. expansion to about 4,000 stores. The article cites Kroger’s ~$150B revenue and Giant Eagle’s nearly $9B annual sales, and highlights Aldi’s low-price model and store growth targets.

Kroger said it will buy Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, including $1.25 billion in cash and about $400 million of assumed debt, adding 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies. The deal is expected to close in 2027. Kroger also plans to sell some Giant Eagle stores in Columbus to reduce overlap and address antitrust concerns, according to Supermarket News.

Kroger said it will buy regional grocer Giant Eagle in a $1.65B deal. Giant Eagle has about $9B in revenue and nearly 200 supermarkets across several Mid-Atlantic/Midwest states. Kroger previously faced regulator denials for a $25B merger with Albertsons. The acquisition is expected to close next year, according to Kroger.