The Dallas-based Fleming has been on the move to capture a leading market share for distribution to big box supercenters. The ABCO Desert Markets sale is in line with Fleming's strategic plan to focus "on its growth areas of price impact and distribution," says the company. The sale falls on the heels of the sale of the Baker's chain to Kroger, a deal that's expected to be finalized in late March. Company officials have not returned repeated telephone calls for comment on the business strategy that's unfolding. In recent months, Fleming has copped a Kmart contract and has placed a bid for SuperValu's trade.

Fleming is a $15-billion company and industry leader in procurement and distribution. Its primary business is buying and selling merchandise for its current roster of about 3,000 supermarkets. It counts among its clients more than 800 North American stores of global supermarketer IGA, 3,000 convenience stores, and nearly 1,000 supercenters, discount, limited assortment, drug, specialty and e-tailers.