| Office of the Secretary December 6, 2000 Robert M. Ling, Jr. Re: Albertson's/American Stores File No. 981-0339 Dear Mr. Ling: This letter responds to the September 15, 2000, application of Unified Western Grocers, Inc. ("Unified") requesting that the Commission approve Unified's sale of Albertson's Store No. 1611 to The Vons Companies, Inc. and Albertson's Store No. 1613 to PCF CAPTEC Solano Mall LLC pursuant to the proposed order in this matter. In the application, Unified requested that the Commission shorten or eliminate the public comment period. The Commission has denied that request, and the application was placed on the public record for comments for thirty days, until October 19, 2000, and no comments were received. The Commission has determined to approve the application. In according its approval, the Commission has relied upon the information submitted and representations made in connection with your request and has assumed them to be accurate and complete. By direction of the Commission, Commissioner Leary not participating. Donald S. Clark |