Retailer Fred's Inc. (FRED) has contacted CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS), Walgreen Co. (WAG), Dollar General Corp. (DG) and private equity firms including H.I.G. Capital to gauge interest in buying Fred's, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

Fred's shares recently traded at $19.75, up $1.66 or 9.2%.

Fred's said on Jan. 9 that it would explore strategic alternatives.

Full story at http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-28/fred-s-said-to-pitch-sale-to-cvs-walgreen-amid-review.html

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