MONTVALE, N.J. - April 9, 2003 - The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P)(NYSE:GAP) said today that it has completed the previously announced sale of five stores in the Springfield, Mass. area. Four stores were sold to Big Y Foods; one store was sold to Belmont Avenue Markets LLC.

A&P said that Wm. Blair & Company served as financial advisor for the transaction.

Founded in 1859, A&P was one of the nation's first supermarket chains, and is today one of North America's largest. The Company currently operates over 680 supermarkets in 15 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada under the following trade names: A&P, Waldbaum's, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh, Farmer Jack, Kohl's, Sav-A-Center, Dominion, The Barn Markets, Food Basics and Ultra Food & Drug. The Company also manufactures and distributes the Eight O'Clock line of whole bean coffees.

For Financial Questions Contact William Moss,
Vice President, Treasurer
201-571-4019

For Non-Financial Questions Contact Richard DeSanta
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
201-571-4495

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