Brussels, Belgium - , June 06, 2001 - Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB, NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, pursuing its motivation policy, decided to launch a new stock option plan for its management. A maximum of 150,000 stock options on Delhaize shares are offered as incentive compensation to about 480 managers in Belgium and executives in non-US operating companies of the Group. The U.S. companies of the Group are already offering stock option plans to their management.
The subscription period runs from June 5 until August 3, 2001. From January 1, 2005 until June 4, 2008 the options can be exercised in the proportion of 1 outstanding share for 1 option at a price of EUR 64.16. On May 31, 2001 the number of Delhaize Group shares amounted to 92,217,654. Delhaize Group intends to maintain this motivation plan for its management in the coming years by offering new stock options.
About Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a food retailer headquartered in Belgium and listed on Euronext Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange. At the end of the first quarter of 2001, Delhaize Group's sales network consisted of 2,402 stores in ten countries on three continents. In 2000, Delhaize Group achieved sales of EUR 18.2 billion (USD 16.8 billion) and net earnings of EUR 160.7 million (USD 148.1 million). Delhaize Group employs approximately 152,000 persons.
This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. For more information, visit the Delhaize Group web site at
www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be e-mailed to
investor@delhaizegroup.com.