Vons Pavilions Co

Vons Cos. on Thursday reported a 59% jump in third-quarter profit, a surprisingly strong showing that analysts said validates Safeway Inc.'s unsolicited takeover bid announced the day before. The sharp profit jump--the latest sign of resurgence at the Arcadia-based company--came as supermarket analysts predicted that Vons will eventually agree to the buyout.

Vons Cos. on Thursday reported a 59% jump in third-quarter profit, a surprisingly strong showing that analysts said validates Safeway Inc.'s unsolicited takeover bid announced the day before. The sharp profit jump--the latest sign of resurgence at the Arcadia-based company--came as supermarket analysts predicted that Vons will eventually agree to the buyout.