Albertsons Companies Announces Review of Strategic Alternatives

Rhea-AI Summary

The Board of Directors of Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) has initiated a Board-led review of potential strategic alternatives to enhance growth and maximize shareholder value. The review will explore balance sheet optimization, capital return strategies, and possible transactions. Financial advisors Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse have been retained for assistance. Although the Board believes in the company's strong asset portfolio, no timeline for the review's conclusion has been set, and there are no assurances of any resulting transactions.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• No set timeline for the review conclusion may lead to uncertainty for investors.
• No assurances that the review will yield positive outcomes or transactions.

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Board of Directors of Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) announced today that it has commenced a Board-led review of potential strategic alternatives aimed at enhancing Albertsons’ growth and maximizing shareholder value. The review will include an assessment of various balance sheet optimization and capital return strategies, potential strategic or financial transactions and development of other strategic initiatives to complement Albertsons’ existing businesses, as well as responding to inquiries. The Company has retained Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse to serve as financial advisors to assist in this review.

"The Board believes the continuing strength of our business and the scale of our portfolio of assets warrants a deep and considered review of all possible paths towards maximizing value creation,” said Chan Galbato, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors. “Albertsons operates more than 2,270 stores across 34 states with growing digital and omnichannel capabilities, along with a vast dedicated manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, which have become integral to the fabric of communities across the U.S. The Board believes that this review, coupled with an ongoing focus on accelerating our transformation strategy, will create enhanced value for all our stakeholders including our customers, associates, and investors.”

The Board has not set a timetable for the conclusion of this review, nor has it made any decisions related to any further actions or potential strategic alternatives at this time. There can be no assurance that the review will result in any transaction or other strategic change or outcome. The Company does not intend to comment further until it determines that further disclosure is appropriate or necessary.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of December 4, 2021, the Company operated 2,278 retail food and drug stores with 1,722 pharmacies, 399 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 20 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under more than 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2020, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company gave $260 million in food and financial support, including approximately $95 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities have enough to eat.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The "forward-looking statements" include our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our Company. They include statements relating to our future actions or potential outcomes which the Company believes to be reasonable at this time. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "may," "should," "could," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "expects," "future" and "intends" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict, including, among others:

• the timing of our review of any strategic alternatives;
• whether we will be able to identify or develop any strategic alternatives;
• our ability to execute on material aspects of any strategic alternatives;
• whether we can achieve the potential benefits of any strategic alternatives;
• changes in macroeconomic conditions;
• retail consumer behavior and environment and the Company's industry;
• ability to attract and retain qualified associates;
• failure to achieve productivity initiatives;
• increased rates of food price inflation or future deflation; and
• factors related to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, about which there are still many unknowns, including its duration, recurrence, new variants, status and effectiveness of vaccinations, duration and scope of related government orders, financial assistance programs, mandates and regulations and the extent of the overall impact to our business and the communities we serve.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements and risk factors. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our view only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation, other than as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted by us. In evaluating our financial results and forward-looking statements, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties more fully described in the "Risk Factors" section or other sections in our reports filed with the SEC including the most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220228006022/en/

Media Contact:

Debra Ceffalio

Debra.Ceffalio@albertsons.com

Investor Contact:

Melissa Plaisance

Melissa.Plaisance@albertsons.com

Source: Albertsons Companies, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Albertsons Companies' Board-led review for ACI shareholders?

The review aims to enhance growth and maximize shareholder value, indicating a potential change in strategy.

Who are the financial advisors assisting Albertsons Companies in their strategic review?

Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse are the financial advisors retained by Albertsons Companies.

Is there a timeline for Albertsons Companies' strategic review?

No, the Board has not set a timetable for the conclusion of the review.

What potential outcomes can arise from the strategic review at Albertsons Companies?

The review could lead to balance sheet optimization, capital return strategies, or other strategic transactions.

What challenges could Albertsons Companies face during their strategic review?

Challenges may include identifying viable strategic alternatives and executing any potential strategies.