Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.,(Public - NYSE:HTSI) formerly Ruddick Corporation (NYSE:RDK) operates a regional chain of supermarkets in eight states primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, and the District of Columbia. As of October 2, 2012, the Company operated 208 supermarkets located in North Carolina (136), Virginia (38), South Carolina (14), Maryland (7), Tennessee (5), Delaware (3), District of Columbia (3), Florida (1) and Georgia (1). These supermarkets offer a range of groceries, produce, meat and seafood, delicatessen items, bakery items, wines and non-food items, such as health and beauty care, general merchandise and floral. On November 7, 2011, the Company completed the sale of all of its ownership interest in its thread manufacturing subsidiary, American & Efird (A&E) to two affiliates of KPS Capital Partners, LP.
Ruddick Corporation was a holding company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, was engaged in two businesses: Harris Teeter, Inc. (Harris Teeter), which operates a regional chain of supermarkets in eight states in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, including the District of Columbia; and American & Efird, Inc. (A&E) manufactures and distributes industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles on a global basis. A&E is a global manufacturer and distributor of sewing thread for the apparel and other markets, embroidery thread and technical textiles.