Delhaize Group and Royal Ahold agree on €26 bln merger

Leading European food retailers Delhaize Group and Royal Ahold N.V. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to merge. The combined company, which will be named Ahold Delhaize, will have a portfolio of strong, trusted local brands with more than 375,000 associates serving more than 50 mln customers every week in the United States and Europe. The company will have enhanced scale across regions, market-leading retail offerings to serve customers’ changing needs, and a strong financial profile from which to fund innovation and investments in future growth. Ahold Delhaize will capitalize on the strong heritage and values of both companies, as well as complementary cultures, neighboring geographies, and the impact of combining successful sustainability programs.
Strong, trusted local brands in complementary regions will enable Ahold Delhaize to better compete in its key regions and strengthen its overall market position. The combination enhances scale, allowing for more investment in innovation and meeting evolving customer needs.
Source: Delhaize Group