Three groups of bidders, one of which includes billionaire Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos., are putting the final touches on offers to take over struggling supermarket chain Albertson’s Inc., which could be worth as much as $16 billion, the Financial Times reported.

The bidders, which mostly include private equity firms, are facing a deadline of Tuesday to enter bids for the entire company. A final outcome is not expected before late December, the newspaper said.

One group expected to bid includes Yucaipa, Burkle’s Beverly Hills-based investment vehicle, and Dubai Investment Group.

A second group includes Apollo Management, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Texas Pacific Group. Another potential buyer for all of Albertson’s is said to be a group composed of Cerberus Capital Management, Kimco Realty and Minnesota-based supermarket operator Supervalu.

Kroger had contemplated making an offer but recently decided against such a move. Instead, it could team up with one of the private equity groups, or wait until after a transaction is finished to buy some properties the purchaser might want to sell, the paper reported.

Boise, Idaho-based Albertson’s has many stores in the Los Angeles region.