These are the best of times for the richest 1% and the worst of times for the lower 40%. Across the mid-section of America we go about our daily chores and at the end of the week, (TGIF), we pick up a a six-pack of beer or Pepsi and some deli food at the local Safeway or Albertsons.
Sure, we are vaguely aware of the mega-rich,The Koch Brothers, Donald Trump and Warren Buffet, but they are for the most part remote to our trip to the grocery store. However as of 2015, you probably have heard that Safeway and Albertsons are now, Albertsons-Safeway funded by Cerebus Capital Management.
As noted above, Cerebus is the three headed dog that guards the gates of Hades, (underworld). It keeps the dead from escaping and the undead from entering. This mythological creature will probably not be pictured on your favorite brand of dog food.
On the other hand, Cerebus Capital Management is a capital management firm worth some $25 billion that buys distressed assets and property and makes money for its investors. If you have ever wondered what happened to former Vice President Dan Quayle and Treasury Secretary, John Snow, they take turns walking a three-headed dog--Cerebus.
Does it matter? If your local Safeway or Albertsons gets sold and your neighbors lose their job, it may make a difference. On the flip side, if you as a consumer get lower prices at the check out stand--maybe not. The end game in this intriguing story of big fish eat little fish in the 21st Century is that the pond world-wide has become an exclusive hot tub. This is a game of multi-billionaires versus mega-billionaires.
In short, Safeway-Albertsons is suiting up to compete against Cosco and Walmart for buying power and survival at the checkout stand. The three-headed dog, Cerebus creeps me out, but a brand is a brand, is a brand.
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