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Publix is expanding its footprint in the Richmond area.

Publix Super Markets has purchased the former Martin’s Food Markets building at 7045 Forest Hill Ave. in the Shops at Stratford Hills, according to city property records.

The sale was recorded on Aug. 31. The purchase price was $12.491 million. The property is assessed at $6.7 million and was sold by Ukrop’s Super Markets Inc.

“At this time, we can confirm the purchase of the real estate. However, we are currently in the due diligence process and are evaluating our next steps. When additional information becomes available, we’ll be happy to follow up,” Publix spokeswoman Kimberly Reynolds said in an email.

Robert S. “Bobby” Ukrop, chief executive officer of the family-owned Ukrop’s Super Markets and CEO of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, declined to comment.

The store opened as a Ukrop’s grocery store in 2005. It became a Martin’s in 2010 when Ukrop’s sold its stores to Martin’s.

The Martin’s grocery store there closed in early August when the chain closed its last stores in the Richmond area.