In a research note titled "CEO resigns - Fire but no sale," Loop Capital analyst Andrew Wolf notes that Fred's (FRED) has announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Michael Bloom, effective as of April 24, 2018. Joseph Anto, Fred's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, the analyst points out that Alden Capital owns 24% of Fred's shares and its President, Heath Freeman, is now Chairman of the Board of Fred's. According to Freeman in a press release, "After the Company was not able to purchase certain assets from the Rite Aid Corporation (RAD)...the timing was right, both for Mike [Bloom] and the Company, for him to step down." Wolf reiterates a Hold rating and $4 price target on Fred's shares.