Ahold Delhaize announces that Albert Heijn completes acquisition of DEEN and starts converting stores

Rhea-AI Summary

Ahold Delhaize has announced the acquisition of DEEN supermarkets by Albert Heijn, its leading brand in the Netherlands. The deal includes the conversion of 38 DEEN locations in various provinces to Albert Heijn stores, enhancing customer experience by combining the strengths of both brands. The transition is set to start with the first store opening on September 22, 2021. This acquisition has been approved by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, although financial specifics were not disclosed. Group financial guidance remains unchanged.

Positive

• Acquisition of 38 DEEN stores enhances market presence in Noord-Holland and other regions.
• Strengthening of Albert Heijn's brand by merging with DEEN, which has a long-standing reputation.
• Expected synergies from combined operations can lead to improved customer offerings.

Negative

• None.

Zaandam, the Netherlands, September 13, 2021 – Ahold Delhaize announces today that Albert Heijn, its market leader in the Netherlands, has completed the transaction for the acquisition of DEEN with Vomar Voordeelmarkt and DekaMarkt. This also marks the start of the conversion of the 38 DEEN stores in Noord-Holland, Flevoland, Gelderland and Overijssel to Albert Heijn stores. Soon, customers of these stores will find the best of both worlds: all the delights of Albert Heijn and the goodness of DEEN. The first store will open in Avenhorn on 22 September.

Marit van Egmond, CEO Albert Heijn, said, ‘Albert Heijn and DEEN are cut from the same cloth. We both have been household names in many Dutch homes for generations – DEEN for 88 and Albert Heijn for almost 135 years. Indeed, it is an honour that we have been mandated to continue operations at the 38 DEEN stores, the flower shop and the distribution centre. This is a major boost to our desire to always be there for our customers, no matter where they need us, including in Noord-Holland where most DEEN stores are located. I look forward to working with our new colleagues.’

Wouter Kolk, CEO Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia: “I’m proud of the fact that we were able to achieve this transaction with the three partners so we can serve the DEEN customers in the best possible way together with DekaMarkt, Vomar and Albert Heijn. Hereby a warm welcome to our new colleagues.”

The intention of DEEN to sell the DEEN supermarkets was announced on 16 February 2021 and approved by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) on 9 July 2021. Financial details have not been released and Group financial guidance remains unchanged.  

-ENDS-

Cautionary notice

This communication includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words and expressions such as start, soon, will, look forward, remains or other similar words or expressions are typically used to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and that may cause actual results of Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (the “Company”) to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the Company’s public filings and other disclosures. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company’s management and assumptions based on information currently available to the Company’s management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.

For more information: 
Press office, Isabelle Meltzer: +31 6 13 36 95 21     Investor relations: +31 88 659 5213   Social media: Instagram @Ahold-Delhaize, LinkedIn: @Ahold-Delhaize 
                              
About Ahold Delhaize
Ahold Delhaize is one of the world’s largest food retail groups and a leader in both supermarkets and e-commerce. Its family of great local brands serves 54 million customers each week, both in stores and online, in the United States, Europe, and Indonesia. Together, these brands employ more than 410,000 associates in 7,137 grocery and specialty stores and include the top online retailer in the Benelux and the leading online grocers in the Benelux and the United States. Ahold Delhaize brands are at the forefront of sustainable retailing, sourcing responsibly, supporting local communities and helping customers make healthier choices. The company’s focus on four growth drivers – drive omnichannel growth, elevate healthy and sustainable, cultivate best talent and strengthen operational excellence – is helping to fulfil its purpose, achieve its vision and prepare its brands and businesses for tomorrow. Headquartered in Zaandam, the Netherlands, Ahold Delhaize is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels stock exchanges (ticker: AD) and its American Depositary Receipts are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. and quoted on the OTCQX International marketplace (ticker: ADRNY). For more information, please visit:www.aholddelhaize.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Ahold Delhaize acquiring DEEN supermarkets?

The acquisition allows Ahold Delhaize to expand its market presence in the Netherlands by converting DEEN stores into Albert Heijn locations, enhancing customer offerings.

When will the DEEN stores start transitioning to Albert Heijn?

The transition is set to begin with the first store opening in Avenhorn on September 22, 2021.

What has been the regulatory response to the acquisition of DEEN by Ahold Delhaize?

The acquisition has been approved by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets.

Will this acquisition impact Ahold Delhaize's financial guidance?

No financial details have been disclosed, and the Group's financial guidance remains unchanged.