Shareholders at Belgian retailer Delhaize and Dutch group Ahold have overwhelmingly approved the proposal to merge at two separate meetings in Brussels and Amsterdam.
Ahold shareholders voted at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that was attended by 129 people, representing approximately 869m shares.
Delhaize shareholders also voted in favour of the proposed merger and all related resolutions.
Ahold Chairman Jan Hommen said: 'We deeply appreciate the overwhelming support of our shareholders, as well as their confidence in the future of Ahold Delhaize. This is a critical milestone in the completion of our proposed merger, which will create an even stronger international food retailer for all stakeholders.'
Shareholders of Ahold today also approved the appointments of members of the future Ahold Delhaize Management Board and the Supervisory Board, which will take effect when the merger is completed.
'We are excited to receive this overwhelming support from our shareholders for this merger and all other related resolutions, noted Delhaize chairman Mats Jansson. 'Today’s vote underscores their clear appreciation of the strategic rationale for the combination of our two companies, which will create a stronger and more innovative food retail company, with enhanced scale and increased relevance in local communities. We are moving one step closer to the completion of this merger process, which is expected to take place mid-2016.'
The combined company, Ahold Delhaize, will bring together a portfolio of strong, trusted local brands, and more than 375,000 associates serving more than 50m customers each week across the US and Europe.
The transaction is on track for completion in mid-2016, with a regulatory review of the proposed merger currently underway with the Belgian Competition Authority and the US Federal Trade Commission.
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