Dive Brief:

• Kroger is just about to close on its $2.5 billion, all-cash acquisition of Harris Tweeter. Now analysts are wondering what's next on Kroger's target list.
• The consensus is that there are not many companies that fit Kroger's profile. The Cincinnati-based chain is not seen as interested in troubled proprieties.
• That means Kroger is not expected to pursue a large purchase of Dominick's or A&P, both of which are on the block, but may pick up some stores from those chains.

Dive Insight:

Our guess -- and it's just a guess -- is that Kroger will lay low for a bit. Between digesting Harris Tweeter and transitioning to a new generation of senior management, Kroger probably has its hands full. Besides, the folks at Cincinnati headquarters are well aware that a good portion of the industry has fallen into the hands of private equity. And private equity companies aren't in things for the long haul. We expect Kroger may want to sit tight until, inevitably, Cerberus Captial decides its time to flip the 178 stores in the Jewel chain.