Governors say they're optimistic sale is imminent to resolve New England supermarket dispute

The governors of Massachusetts and New Hampshire say they're optimistic a long-running dispute at a New England supermarket chain will be resolved with an agreement to sell it to the ousted CEO.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan said in a joint statement Friday that they expect Market Basket will restore Arthur T. Demoulas on an interim basis until the sale closes. The governors say they're hopeful employees will return to work and stores will reopen early next week.

Workers for the supermarket chain staged massive protests after Arthur T. Demoulas was ousted in June by the board of directors, which is controlled by his cousin, Arthur S. Demoulas.

Calls seeking comment from the company and Arthur T. Demoulas weren't immediately returned Friday night.