Buyer's market.

• Position: Charlotte

The Kroger Co. will acquire Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc. for $2.4 billion. The deal gives Kroger, the second-largest grocer in the U.S., a larger presence in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Harris Teeter announced earlier this year that it was entertaining offers. It will retain its leadership and name, operating as a subsidiary.

Harris Teeter

Headquarters Matthews

Stores 212 in eight states

2012 revenue $4.5 billion

Employees 25,300

Kroger

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