That rival is Sobeys. Who, while operating for years as Canada's second-largest grocer, has quietly been strengthening its core business and investing in future growth. It too made a major move in 2013, acquiring western food chain Safeway for $5.8 billion. On top of that, Sobeys parent company Empire sold off its theatre business to Cineplex, which has added almost $200 million to the organization who intends to invest it back into its grocery business. Sobeys has also had a strong year as it relates to earnings, being one of the very few food retailers to increase same-store sales and overall profits.