Tops Friendly Markets returns to local ownership

Williamsville, N.Y. -- Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, Northern Pennsylvania, and Western Vermont, announced that the previously announced acquisition of Tops Holding II by a group of senior managers of the company led by Tops president and CEO, Frank Curci, closed on Dec. 1.



"The management team at Tops truly has a passion for the business and dedication to the core values of the organization, and has led the company's tremendous growth over the past six years," Curci said. "This transaction represents the next step in the natural evolution of Tops that began six years ago when we returned operations and decision making to our local markets. Now with local ownership as well, we will be able to build on our successes of the recent past, deepen our commitment to the markets we serve, and further expand to better serve our associates and customers."



The senior managers in the acquisition group consists of Curci; Kevin Darrington, COO; Rick Mills, CFO; John Persons, senior VP of operations; Jack Barrett, senior VP of human resources; and Lynne Burgess, senior VP and general counsel.



Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.