Marsh Supermarkets has told the state of Indiana that it could close all remaining 44 stores in the next 60 days if the company can’t find a buyer or business partner.

State and federal laws require companies to notify the state of potential large closings of stores with 50 or more employees.  In a letter to the Department of Workforce Development dated this week, Marsh names 16 such stores.  But a Marsh spokesperson has confirmed the company plans to close all remaining stores within 60 days if no one steps up to buy or help the company.

In its letter, Marsh says it’s going through a period of “poor sales performance” that it attributes to “unexpected difficulties and increased competition.”  The company previously closed or announced closings for 18 stores… and sold its pharmacy business at 37 stores to CVS.  Because of Indiana’s complicated alcohol laws, those 37 stores also had to stop selling hard liquor.

A spokesperson says Marsh has partnered with the investment firm Peter J. Solomon Company to seek a buyer or investor.