Governors: Deal may come soon in supermarket feud

BOSTON (AP) — The governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire say they're optimistic a long-running family dispute that has hobbled a New England supermarket chain will be resolved soon with an agreement to sell the company to its ousted CEO.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval (deh-VAL') Patrick and New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan (HAHS'-uhn) say they expect Market Basket will restore Arthur T. Demoulas to "operating authority" on an interim basis, pending completion of the sale.

The 71-store chain has lost tens of millions of dollars since warehouse workers walked off their jobs last month to protest the firing of Demoulas.

Demoulas said Friday the final bid he submitted this week "can and should be finalized immediately."

The governors say they're hopeful stores will fully reopen early next week and no "adverse" action will be taken against employees who left their jobs.