Ahold Delhaize reports progress on store divestments, gives update on Belgium strategy
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Zaandam, the Netherlands, March 23, 2017 - Ahold Delhaize today announced its
Belgian subsidiaries have reached agreements to divest four stores and one
project in Belgium. The divestments, in addition to the sales agreements
announced on March 13, are made to comply with the conditions that the Belgian
Competition Authority (BCA) attached to its approval of the merger of Ahold and
Delhaize Group in 2016.
Carrefour has agreed to buy one Albert Heijn store and two Delhaize affiliated
stores, as well as one project. Independently and separately, an independent
supermarket entrepreneur has agreed to buy one store from Albert Heijn.
The agreements are subject to customary closing conditions. Upon fulfillment of
these conditions, the stores are expected to be transferred within approximately
three months. The current labor and working conditions of the associates will be
respected in accordance with Belgian labor laws and regulations.
The BCA approved the merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group on March 15, 2016,
conditional upon the divestment of eight Albert Heijn stores, five Delhaize
affiliated stores and a limited number of projects in Belgium to address
competition concerns raised by the regulator.
A full list of the store locations referred to in this press release is
included as an annex.
Ahold Delhaize continues to work in close cooperation with the BCA and potential
buyers to complete the divestment process for the remaining stores included in
the package as agreed with the regulator.
Ahold Delhaize is uniquely positioned to serve the Belgian market with two
brands successfully serving the Belgian customer, each providing distinctive
benefits to their customers.
Delhaize Le Lion has a strong history and heritage with 150 years of existence
and is recognized for the quality of its products, its qualitative and large
assortment, its fresh and local products, and its attractive shopping
experience. Delhaize Le Lion is the strong leading and local brand, and has over
700 stores.
Albert Heijn has successfully entered the Flemish market building on its Dutch
heritage and has notably been appreciated for its attractive promotions and
distinctive assortment. In the meantime, the brand has grown to a network of 42
stores in Flanders.
In the next few years, our key priority is to make our leading brand Delhaize
the favorite supermarket of the Belgians, winning the hearts and minds of
customers and become the best retailer in Belgium. Delhaize Le Lion is
strengthening its customer proposition, investing in its offer and customer
experience, while staying true to its heritage. We are convinced of the outcome
of this journey and there is opportunity for growth in Belgium. Delhaize
customers will increasingly benefit from the strength of our group including its
merchandise and e-commerce capabilities, bringing the best of both Delhaize and
Albert Heijn to our customers in Belgium.
Once the ongoing strengthening of Delhaize Le Lion is completed in the eyes of
the customer, the natural next phase is to integrate all Ahold Delhaize Belgium
supermarket activities into Delhaize Le Lion. In the meantime, Albert Heijn will
continue to open stores in Flanders.
The Ahold Delhaize Management Board will assess the readiness for integration in
the first half of 2019.
170323_PR Belgium_Final:
http://hugin.info/130711/R/2090237/789243.pdf
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The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Ahold Delhaize via GlobeNewswire
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 23.03.2017 - 17:45 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 532150
Anzahl Zeichen: 4173
contact information:
Town:
Amsterdam
Kategorie:
Business News
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"Ahold Delhaize reports progress on store divestments, gives update on Belgium strategy"
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