SYDNEY, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Australia's top grocer Woolworths WOW.AX put its shares on a trading halt on Wednesday ahead of an announcement on its home improvement joint venture.
Rival Metcash MTS.AX also sought a trading halt on its shares pending an announcement regarding its participation in Woolworth's Home Timber & Hardware Group sale process.
In February, Woolworths posted its first loss in 23 years, prompting a business restructuring last month including job cuts and store closures. ($1 = 1.3144 Australian dollars)