Jewel's parent sold to Albertson's chain

Jewel/Osco will keep its name and significantly expand its storebase in the Midwest after the $11.7 billion acquisition of its parentcompany, American Stores Co., by Albertson's Inc., one of the mosthighly regarded operators in the supermarket industry.

The merger agreement, announced Monday, will continue Boise,Idaho-based Albertson's aggressive expansion march eastward.

Jewel Food Stores and Osco customers are likely to see increasedcustomer service and quicker store remodelings, but perhaps not asmany industry trend-setting ideas within the stores.

Employees, including 2,500 at Jewel's 120-acre Melrose Parkregional office and warehouses, will get a …