Smith's OKs acquisition of Raley's Nevada stores

Salt Lake-based Smith's Food & Drug Stores announced it will acquire seven Raley's supermarket stores in the Las Vegas area as part of a transaction by Smith's parent company, Kroger Co.

Kroger agreed to buy 18 Raley's stores in Las Vegas, seven of which will operate under the Smith's name. Pending customary approvals, the deal is expected to close within 30 days.

The addition of seven stores will increase Smith's presence to 26 stores in the Las Vegas area.

Smith's currently operates 117 stores in seven Western states.