BRUSSELS, Belgium, March 12, 2001 - Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB) will join EMD, the largest European buying group representing combined sales of EUR 118 billion in 15 European countries. The members of EMD have unanimously approved the entry of Delhaize Group to EMD. Esselunga, one of the partners of Delhaize Group in the buying group SED, joins Delhaize Group to become a member of EMD.
The membership of Delhaize Group to EMD only concerns the European activities of Delhaize Group: Delhaize Belgium, Alfa-Beta (Greece), Delvita (Czech Republic and Slovakia) and Mega-Image (Romania). The other operations of Delhaize Group, located in the U.S. and in Asia, do not participate.
The membership of EMD will allow Delhaize Group to obtain a better know how of the pricing of food products. In addition, EMD will enable Delhaize Group to combine its purchase of basic food products and national brands with other European food retailers. EMD also developed its own private label assortment, which is at disposal of its members.
With members in 15 European countries and sales of EUR 118 billion, EMD is the largest buying group in Europe. EMD represents a market share of 14.3% in the European market, including the rapidly expanding markets in Central Europe. This represents an increase by 3 percentage points in comparison with last year.
Delhaize Group is a food retailer headquartered in Belgium and listed on Euronext Brussels. Delhaize Group operates in 10 countries and achieved in 2000 sales of EUR 18.2 billion and its net profit amounted in 1999 to EUR 169.9 million. Delhaize Group's sales network counts 2,360 stores and Delhaize Group employs 153,000 associates.
More information:
Renaud Cogels, General Manager Delhaize Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 412 22 01
or +32 2 412 26 01
Jean-Thomas Geelhand, Executive Director of Purchasing
Tel: + 32 2 412 27 50
Etienne Van Roie, International Trade Manager
Tel: + 32 2 412 25 11