Sun Capital Partners Affiliate Completes Acquisition of Marsh Supermarkets

Frank Lazaran Appointed Marsh's New President and CEO; Don Marsh Resigns 


BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 27  /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Capital Partners, Inc. ("Sun Capital"), a leading private investment firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and investments in market-leading companies, today announced that MSH Supermarkets, Inc., an affiliate of Sun Capital, has completed the acquisition of Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. (NASDAQ:MARSA) (NASDAQ:MARSB) ("Marsh") for a total purchase price of approximately $325 million.  Frank Lazaran, a former senior executive with more than 30 years of regional supermarket experience, has been appointed President and CEO of Marsh, effective immediately, as a result of Don Marsh's previously announced resignation.

Marsh is a leading multi-format food retailer in Indianapolis and surrounding markets, operating 116 supermarkets, 154 convenience stores, and other catering and retail businesses under such well-recognized brands such as Marsh Supermarkets, LoBill Foods, Village Pantry, Crystal Food Service, and Enflora(R).

Gary Talarico, Managing Director of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. added, "We are pleased that our affiliate, MSH Supermarkets, Inc., has completed the acquisition of Marsh Supermarkets.  Marsh Supermarkets is a leading retailer in the Midwest with a loyal customer base.  We look forward to working with Marsh's management team and its dedicated employees."

"This transaction is a great opportunity for our shareholders, our employees and the future of Marsh Supermarkets," said Don Marsh, outgoing Chairman and CEO of Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. "For 75 years, Marsh has been an industry leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence in customer service and providing quality food products at reasonable prices. We are confident that Sun Capital's financial resources and deep retail operating experience will provide Marsh with the opportunity and support to grow and further enhance this outstanding franchise.  On behalf of Marsh's Board of Directors, I want to thank our shareholders and hard-working employees for their support throughout this process.

Mr. Marsh added, "I am also pleased that Frank Lazaran, who brings a wealth of regional supermarket operating experience to Marsh, will be leading this company in its next phase of growth."

Frank Lazaran said, "Marsh Supermarkets is an incredible franchise and I look forward to continuing to deliver to our loyal customers the same excellent service for which Marsh is known.  To the customers of Marsh, I pledge that we will remain committed to our communities and to maintaining our reputation for superior service and fresh and high quality food products at reasonable prices."

Mr. Lazaran has more than 30 years of regional supermarket experience that includes a broad background of senior management positions with Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., one of the largest food retailers in the nation; Randalls Food Markets, Inc., a division of Safeway of Houston, Texas and which operates high volume stores under the Tom Thumb banner in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area and as Randalls in the Houston and Austin markets; and Ralphs Grocery Company in Compton, California. Mr. Lazaran graduated from California State University in Long Beach, CA, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He also completed the Executive Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California.

About Marsh Supermarkets, Inc.

Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. is a leading regional chain, operating 68 Marsh(R) supermarkets, 38 LoBill(R) Foods stores, eight O'Malia(R) Food Markets, 154 Village Pantry(R) convenience stores, and two Arthur's Fresh Market stores in Indiana and western Ohio.  The Company also operates Crystal Food Services(sm), which provides upscale catering, cafeterias management, office coffee, coffee roasting, vending and the concessions, and restaurant management and Primo Banquet Catering and Conference Centers, Floral Fashions(R) and McNamara Florist(R).

About Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in and managed more than 130 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $30.0 billion since Sun Capital's inception in 1995. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, New York, London, and Shenzhen.

  For more information, please contact:
  Gary M. Talarico
  Managing Director
  Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
  [phone]


DATASOURCE: Sun Capital Partners, Inc.



CONTACT:  Gary M. Talarico, Managing Director of Sun Capital Partners,

Inc., [phone]

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