Food 4 Less Supermarkets Inc., operator of...

Food 4 Less Supermarkets Inc., operator of the Alpha Beta, Boys, Viva and Food 4 Less grocery chains, said it had first-quarter sales of $623.6 million, a 6.1% increase from the comparable period a year ago. Revenue from stores open at least 12 months decreased 2.3% in the quarter. The results were for the 12-week period ended April 2. The La Habra-based supermarket operator said earnings will be reported in early June. The results are to be the final quarterly report Food 4 Less is expected to make before it acquires Ralphs Grocery Co. The companies are expected to merge and under the Ralphs name in June.