And as the Los Angeles Times reports, that usually means the company wants to sell itself. Experts tell the paper that the sale is needed to unshackle the chain from its uninterested French majority-owner.

This looks like another private equity play for a grocery chain but unlike some other supermarket buyouts, analysts say Smart & Final has great growth potential and low debt. One tells the paper it's not a turnaround situation. Investors pushed the share price up yesterday and analysts value the company at as much as $640 million.

The chain owns stores in six western states, with five in the Las Vegas Valley and one in Reno. Unlike other warehouse stores, no membership is required. And it has recently revamped its supply chain system. So here's another great investment opportunity.