GNC files for bankruptcy, plans to permanently close up to 1,200 stores

GNC has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, hoping to restructure some $750 million of debt.

GNC plans to close 800 to 1,200 stores as it tries to find a buyer.

The company has faced growing competition from local retail grocery chains and online.

GNC operates 3 locations within Merced County: Atwater, Merced, and Los Banos.

The company did NOT release information on what stores would close.

GNC operates 5,800 store across the U.S.