Reports: Market Basket Decision Imminent

As Arthur T. Demoulas submitted his final bid Friday afternoon to purchase the remaining shares of the Market Basket supermarket chain, both Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan say they are optimistic an agreement to sell the company to Arthur T. will be reached and he could be restored to operating authority on an interim basis until the deal closes.

“Subject to reducing their agreement in principle to writing by Sunday, the Board will forestall taking adverse employment action against the employees who have abandoned their jobs,” Hassan and Patrick said in the statement. “We are hopeful that employees will return to work, and the stores will reopen, early next week.”

The Boston Globe is reporting Arthur T. has submitted his final offer to purchase the supermarket chain. Demoulas was ousted in June when a majority of the company’s board shifted in support of Arthur T.’s cousin and rival, Arthur S. Demoulas.

The Globe is also reporting Market Basket’s board of directors has postponed a scheduled Saturday meeting.

(Photo: Market Basket customers rally in Tewksbury on August 16. Photo Credit: Christa Lamb of North Andover)