Belgium-based Delhaize Group, the parent company of Hannaford Supermarkets, said Wednesday that it has reached an agreement to merge with another European company that has a significant New England presence.
The New York Times reported that the merger between Delhaize Group and Netherlands-based Ahold, which owns Stop & Shop, would result in one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. The merged company, which is to be called Ahold Delhaize, would have more than 6,500 stores and 375,000 employees in Europe and the United States.
The merger, which is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, is expected to close next year. Under the agreement, “Ahold shareholders would own 61% of the combined company, while Delhaize shareholders would own the remaining 39%,” the newspaper said.
The Portland Press Herald reported on Thursday that Hannaford’s store format isn’t likely to change as a result of the merger. A company spokesman said the merger would result in a wider range of products and more career development opportunities.
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