Hannaford Brothers purchases Victory chain

The Scarborough ME-based supermarket chain Hannaford Brothers Co has completed its $175 million purchase of Victory Super Markets after receiving Federal Trade Com-mission approval.

This acquisition places Victory's 17 stores in Massachusetts and two in New Hampshire into Hannaford's control. Hannaford plans to start converting the stores to its own name in February.

Hannaford will operate 142 stores in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It also intends to open stores in Taunton and Easton MA.

Victory's corporate headquarters in Leominster MA will remain open. Its 40 employees will no longer have jobs but can apply for open positions with Hannaford.