Gelson’s and Smart & Final bid on Haggen spots in Laguna and Corona del Mar

Less than two weeks after announcing the closure of all stores in California, Nevada and Arizona, embattled grocer Haggen Inc. said Monday that supermarket chains Gelson’s Markets and Smart & Final are interested in buying some of Haggen’s locations — including those in Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar.

The Bellingham, Wash.-based grocery chain said in a statement that Gelson’s signed a purchase agreement for eight California stores, including the former Albertsons-turned-Haggen at 30922 S. Coast Hwy. in Laguna Beach.

Smart & Final signed an agreement for 28 stores in California and Nevada, including one at 3049 E. Coast Hwy. in Corona del Mar. Both agreements are subject to bankruptcy court approval.

Gelson’s, based in Encino, is a high-end supermarket chain with 18 stores across Southern California. The company did not provide financial details of the bid.

“Should our bid prove successful, it will be a benefit for thousands of shoppers who value quality products and exceptional service,” Gelson’s Chief Executive Rob McDougall said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming the Haggen store employees into the Gelson’s family.”

City of Commerce-based Smart & Final said it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Haggen store leases and related assets for $56 million in cash. If approved, the deal is expected to close during the fourth quarter.

Smart & Final said it plans to convert the Haggen locations to Smart & Final Extra! stores, which are larger than the chain’s usual stores. Smart & Final operates 270 stores.

An auction is scheduled Nov. 9.

Haggen struggled after buying 146 Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Safeway grocery stores in December. In September, the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.