Delhaize Group press release - Delhaize Group and Ahold announce dates for Extraordinary General Meetings, and effectiveness of registration statement on form F-4 and approval of eu prospectus

BRUSSELS, Belgium, Feb. 1, 2016 -- Delhaize Group NV/SA ("Delhaize") and Koninklijke Ahold N.V. ("Ahold") today announced that they have respectively called Extraordinary General Meetings ("EGM"), to be held on March 14, 2016, at which their respective shareholders will consider and vote on proposals to approve the intended merger between Delhaize and Ahold.

Delhaize's EGM will be held at the Proximus Lounge, rue Stroobantsstraat 51 in 1140 Brussels, Belgium on March 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. (CET). Ahold's EGM will be held at the Amsterdam Rai Convention Center on March 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. (CET).

Delhaize and Ahold have posted their respective EGM convocation documents and related materials on their respective websites at www.delhaizegroup.com and www.ahold.com.

The right of Delhaize shareholders to attend and to vote their shares at the Delhaize EGM is subject to the registration of such shares by 11:59 p.m. (CET) on the record date, which is Monday, February 29, 2016.

Delhaize and Ahold also announced today that the registration statement on Form F-4 filed by Ahold ("Registration Statement"), which includes a prospectus ("U.S. Prospectus"), was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on January 28, 2016. The Registration Statement will be available through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov, and the U.S. Prospectus has been posted by Delhaize and Ahold on their respective websites at www.delhaizegroup.com and www.ahold.com, as well as at www.adcombined.com.

Delhaize and Ahold announced as well today that the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten or "AFM") had approved a prospectus registered with the AFM by Ahold ("EU Prospectus"). The EU Prospectus has been passported into Belgium. The EU Prospectus is required in connection with the admission to listing and trading on Euronext Amsterdam of the Ahold ordinary shares to be issued as part of the intended merger, and in connection with the admission to listing and trading on Euronext Brussels of the Ahold ordinary shares. The EU Prospectus has been posted by Delhaize and Ahold on their respective websites at www.delhaizegroup.com and www.ahold.com, as well as at www.adcombined.com.

On June 24, 2015, Delhaize and Ahold announced their intention to merge, creating an international retailer with a portfolio of strong, trusted local brands and more than 375,000 associates serving more than 50 million customers each week in the United States and Europe.

Ahold Delhaize will offer enhanced choice and value for customers, provide more compelling opportunities for associates and contribute even more to the local communities it serves.

The transaction is expected to be completed in mid-2016, following associate consultation procedures, shareholder approval and regulatory clearances.

» Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of 2015, Delhaize Group's sales network consisted of 3 512 stores. In 2015, Delhaize Group posted €24.4 billion ($27.1 billion) in revenues. In 2014, Delhaize Group posted €89 million ($118 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group employed approximately 150 000 people. Delhaize Group's stock islisted on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to [email protected].

» Contacts

Investor Relations: + 32 2 412 2151
Media Relations: + 32 2 412 8669

Press release in PDF http://hugin.info/133961/R/1982435/726432.PDF

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