NORTH COUNTRY -- TOPS Friendly Markets are expanding northbound. Last week, the grocery chain announced an agreement with Grand Union Markets and will acquire 21 stores in Northern New York and Vermont. Two will be located in Saranac Lake.

TOPS officials say for the time being, the markets will continue to operate under the Grand Union name. TOPS says all 600 employees will be offered continued employment.

The addition of these new stores brings the number of TOPS markets to more than 150.

The sale is expected to be finalized by the fall.