Number of Winn-Dixie stores sold outside Florida grows to 15

Winn-Dixie is selling off a total of 15 stores in the wake of a report that says the Jacksonville-based chain's parent company could close up to 200 stores.

The affected stores are primarily in Louisiana and eight of them were sold to Texas' Brookshire Grocery Co., which the Tampa Bay Times reported last week.

The company also announced more locations are switching ownership in New Orleans and Mississippi. Those seven locations were purchased by Shoppers Value Foods, which is based in Louisiana.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The transition will be in late march, according to Shoppers Value Foods, and it will take three to six months before the stores are reopened under their new banner.

Winn-Dixie's owner, Southeastern Grocer, has a history of financial troubles and is currently managing nearly a $1 billion debt. Two weeks ago Bloomberg reported it may not only close stores, but could also file for bankruptcy.

<a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/retail/Report-Winn-Dixie-parent-company-could-close-200-stores_165632193> Report: Winn-Dixie parent company could close 200 stores

SEG officials have yet to comment on if that will happen.