<p><img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/delhaize_sells_markets_may_2013_BODY01.jpg" alt="IMAGES - MAy 22 2013" />Delhaize is looking to sell its Harveys and Sweetbay banner stores in an attempt to cut costs, according to sources cited by Reuters.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The unnamed sources reported that the company has hired Lazard Ltd to sell its businesses. Harveys operates in 73 supermarkets in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida and focuses on regional, fresh produce. Sweetbay is aimed at the Hispanic market and at the end of 2012, operated 105 stores in Florida. Delhaize said that it would close 34 underperforming Sweetbay stores in January.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The company is looking at options for the units, said Chief Executive Officer Pierre-Oliver Beckers, but declined to comment on whether advisors had been appointed to conduct the sale.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"This is a question on the table at the moment," he told Reuters at the company's annual shareholders meeting.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The move comes about as traditional grocery stores face increasing pressure from discounters like Walmart and higher-end food stores including Whole Foods.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/23/delhaize-sale-idUSL2N0E40VN20130523" target="_new">Delhaize Report</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
