Price Chopper, Tops announce merger plans

SCHENECTADY--Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement that creates an alliance between the two independent grocery chains.
With increased scale across their contiguous footprints, the merged companies are expected to be better positioned to compete and offer even more value to customers.
Scott Grimmett, Price Chopper/Market 32's President and CEO, will be CEO of and serve on the board of directors of the new parent company which will oversee the operations of nearly 300 Price Chopper, Market 32, Market Bistro and Tops Markets stores and collectively employ more than 30,000 people. Frank Curci, Tops Markets Chairman and CEO, will serve on the board of directors of the new parent company and as a consultant to assist in the transition. Blaine Bringhurst, Price Chopper/Market 32's Executive Vice President of Merchandising, Marketing and Store Operations, will lead the Price Chopper/Market 32 business. John Persons, Tops Markets President and Chief Operating Officer, will lead the Tops Markets business.
The new parent company will be headquartered in Schenectady, New York. The Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets businesses will retain main offices in Schenectady and Williamsville and will continue to be managed locally by their respective leaders.