Residents Group Lauds Vons Purchase of Markets

Calling it an early holiday present, the head of a Studio City residents’ association celebrated Thursday when Vons Grocery Co. announced that it will purchase a Ralphs market in Studio City, one of 19 stores that the Ralphs-Hughes chain must shed for antitrust reasons.

Vons announced that it will acquire eight stores, including five in the San Fernando Valley, one in Camarillo and two in Orange County. The cost of the deal was not announced.

The state attorney general’s office had raised concerns about competition in the region after Ralphs took over Hughes Family Markets, which had a strong Valley presence.

After Ralphs Grocery agreed in February to sell the stores, Vons was the “overwhelming favorite” of Studio City residents, who were polled for their choice of a buyer, according to Tony Lucente, head of the Studio City Residents Assn.

“This is good for competition and good for Studio City,” said Lucente, whose association had urged Vons to buy the store. “This will offer Ralphs some real competition in Studio City.”

A spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office said buyers for all 14 stores have been approved.

The Valley stores to be acquired are at:

* 26518 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita.

* 20440 Devonshire St., Chatsworth.

* 8201 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park.

* 4033 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City.

* 10201 Reseda Blvd., Northridge.