Safeway Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., hired Howard Johnson as record keeper and administrator and Wells Fargo as trustee for its $1 billion 401(k) plan, replacing Merrill Lynch, said Geri Burrell, director of benefits. Plan officials chose Howard Johnson because it offered a customized plan that will help Safeway with its technological needs, while Merrill Lynch was not as flexible, she said. Howard Johnson does not provide trustee services and recommended Wells Fargo for that function, she said.
Hewitt Associates is service provider, offering nine investment options.