Tops Buys N.Y. Independent 2011

SN STAFF

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Tops Friendly Markets here said Friday it has agreed to acquire Furnal’s Fresh Market, a single-unit independent in Hilton, N.Y. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close within 30 days, were not disclosed.

Tops, which has opened two new stores during the past year, said it would “invest in a major renovation” of the store in the coming months.

“I’d like to thank the Hilton community and my associates for 41 years of support, commitment and service,” said Rick Furnal, owner of Furnal’s Fresh Market. “I am confident that Tops will be a good neighbor and will continue to serve the needs of this community for many years to come.”

The store employs 32 full-time and 50 part-time workers “all of whom have the option of applying for continued employment,” Tops said.

The 28,000-square-foot store, located near Rochester, previously had been supplied by Penn Traffic Co. It switched to Olean Wholesale when Penn Traffic filed its third bankruptcy in 2009. Tops is supplied by C&S Wholesale Grocers, Keene, N.H.