Brussels, Belgium and Salisbury, NC Delhaize America Inc. and Delhaize Group (Euronext: DELB; NYSE: DEG) have set a deadline of June 4, 2001 for investors, other than investors who hold shares of Delhaize America through The Depository Trust Company (DTC), to make an election for either Delhaize Group ordinary shares or Delhaize Group American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).
The election deadline has been set for holders of Delhaize America shares, other than holders who hold shares of Delhaize America through DTC, as a result of Delhaize America receiving approval from its shareholders of the share exchange agreement between Delhaize America and Delhaize Group at a special shareholders meeting held on April 25, 2001. Delhaize Group ADRs began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on April 26, 2001, the day following the closing of the share exchange.
Shareholders who did not hold their Delhaize America common stock through DTC have been sent an election form, which will allow such shareholders to elect between receiving Delhaize Group ordinary shares and Delhaize Group ADRs in exchange for all of such shareholders' Delhaize America common stock. Shareholders who held their Delhaize America common stock through DTC were able to elect between Delhaize Group ADRs and Delhaize Group ordinary shares prior to the closing of the share exchange.
Investors who did not hold Delhaize America common stock through DTC and who do not make an election prior to 5:00 p.m. on June 4, 2001 will automatically receive Delhaize Group ADRs in the share exchange.
About Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a food retailer headquartered in Belgium and listed on Euronext Brussels and the NYSE. At the end of 2000, Delhaize Group's sales network consisted of 2,310 stores in 10 countries on three continents. In 2000, Delhaize Group achieved sales of EUR 18.2 billion (USD 16.9 billion) and net earnings of EUR 160.7 million (USD 148.8 million). Delhaize Group employs approximately 152,000 persons. For more information, visit the Delhaize Group web site at
www.delhaizegroup.com.
Information for Investors
Questions can also be emailed to
Investor@delhaizegroup.com. This press release is available in English, French and Dutch.
Safe Harbor
This press release is not an offer or the solicitation of an offer to acquire any securities of Delhaize Group or Delhaize America and no such offer or solicitation will be made except in compliance with applicable securities laws.
Certain statements contained in this press release and related statements by management may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described in Delhaize Group's and Delhaize America's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither Delhaize Group nor Delhaize America undertakes any obligation to update this forward-looking information except as required by law.
Contacts
Delhaize Group
Guy Elewaut +32 (0) 2 412 29 48
Geoffroy d'Oultremont +32 (0) 2 412 83 21
Delhaize America
Media: Tawn Earnest (704) 633-8250, ext. 2185
Investors: Amy Shue (704) 633-8250, ext. 2529