OTHER NEWS - Sept. 2, 1995

Ralphs Loses $125.7 Million in Quarter: Ralphs Grocery Co. reported a $125.7-million second-quarter loss as it wrote off the huge restructuring costs associated with its merger with the owners of Alpha Beta and other supermarket chains. Most of the loss reflects the refinancing debt, the closing of stores and merging of operations, and the remodeling of about 80 stores, Ralphs spokesman Jan Charles Gray said. The Compton-based company, which operates 368 Ralphs, Alpha Beta, Boys and Viva stores, said the restructuring costs of about $116 million were in line with expectations. The merger was completed in June when Yucaipa Cos., which operated Alpha Beta, Food 4 Less, Boys and Viva stores, purchased Ralphs to create the largest supermarket chain in Southern California. The merged company took the Ralphs name.