Mar 31, 2005 9:24 AM, from staff and wire reports

Winn-Dixie Stores Inc has requested that the United States Bankruptcy Court transfer its Chapter 11 case from the Southern District of New York to the Jacksonville Division of the Middle District of Florida.

Peter Lynch, president and chief executive officer of the Jacksonville-based supermarket chain, said, “We have always been comfortable having our Chapter 11 case heard in our hometown of Jacksonville. When we initially made the decision to file in New York, it was with the understanding that creditors preferred that location because of its convenience. In fact, our research showed that most of our major creditors either have offices or legal representation in New York. Now that an objection from a creditor has caused this matter to become an unnecessary distraction, we have asked the court in New York to agree to move the case to Jacksonville as soon as possible.”

A court hearing on Winn-Dixie’s request to change venue has been scheduled for April 12, 2005.