Dutch group Ahold and Belgian retailer Delhaize Group have announced that their US subsidiaries have reached agreements with buyers to divest a total of 86 stores in a limited number of locations in which the companies' US subsidiaries both operate.
These divestments are being made in connection with the United States Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) pending review of the proposed merger between the two retailers, with all divested stores being sold to well established supermarket operators.
All of the purchase agreements are subject to FTC approval. The agreements are also subject to FTC clearance and formal completion of the Ahold and Delhaize Group merger, which the companies continue to expect before the end of July.
'The combination of Ahold and Delhaize Group is a unique opportunity to deliver even more for customers, associates and local communities,' said Ahold CEO Dick Boer. 'Together, Ahold and Delhaize Group have been working hard to resolve the competition concerns raised by the FTC, and we are pleased to have found strong, well established buyers for the stores we are required to divest. We deeply appreciate the long-time support of our customers and associates in these locations and are confident that the new owners will continue to serve local communities well.'
The divested stores are expected to be converted by the buyers to their new banners and re-opened as supermarkets after any remodeling planned by the buyers.
On 24 June 2015, Ahold and Delhaize announced their intention to merge, creating an international retailer with a portfolio of strong, trusted local brands, more than 6,500 stores and over 375,000 associates. These brands serve more than 50m customers every week in Europe and the US.
