A&P, which operates chains under the names A&P,Waldbaum's, the Food Emporium and others, will retain the Pathmarkname. The integration of the two companies is expected to take sixmonths after the deal closes. "The addition of Pathmark fortifiesour strength and marketing capability in the Northeast, where weare now focusing all resources and development," said Eric Claus,A&P president and CEO, in a statement. The company does notplan to close any stores as a result of the deal.

Executive chairman Christian Haub has said previously that allPathmark stores will be kept open. "Their format is complimentaryto ours, and we have different customers. If there areunderperforming stores, we'll look to see how to improve them," hesaid. Most of the company's stores are now in the New York Cityarea, as well as a significantly increased market share in greaterPhiladelphia and Baltimore.

Pathmark shareholders will receive $9 in cash and 0.12963 sharesof A&P per share. Pathmark's shares closed on Friday at $12.85,while A&P's came in at $30.09. The integration costs of thedeal are expected to come in at $115 million. The combined companyis based in Montvale.