Ruddick Corporation (NYSE:RDK) is a holding company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., with consolidated revenues of $3.3 billion for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2006 (“Fiscal 2006”). The Company, through its operating subsidiaries, is engaged in two primary businesses: Harris Teeter, Inc. currently operates a regional chain of supermarkets in seven southeastern states and American & Efird, Inc. manufactures and distributes thread and technical textiles on a global basis. At October 1, 2006, ...