BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Bruno's here said it will hold a special meeting on Aug. 18 for shareholders to vote on the chain's proposed merger with Crimson Acquisition Corp., a subsidiary of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., New York. The $1.15-billion merger, which was disclosed last April, has already received approval from the Federal Trade Commission. If shareholders approve the deal, KKR will control approximately 83.3% of Bruno's stock and will take the company private. Bruno's operates 252 stores in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee. KKR owns majority stakes in Safeway, Oakland; Fred Meyer Inc., Portland, Ore., and Stop & Shop Cos., Quincy, Mass.
