BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 23, 2003 - Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB, NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, announced today the launch by Delhaize Finance BV, a wholly-owned Dutch subsidiary, of a EUR 100 million Eurobond maturing in May 2008. The issuance will diversify financing sources for general working needs of the Group. The issuance has been arranged by Fortis Bank.
Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a Belgian food retailer present in ten countries on three continents. At the end of 2002, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 2,520 stores. In 2002, Delhaize Group posted EUR 20.7 billion (USD 19.6 billion) in sales and EUR 178.3 million (USD 168.6 million) in net earnings. Delhaize Group employs approximately 144,000 people. Delhaize Group is listed on Euronext Brussels and the New York Stock Exchange.
This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.
Contacts
Guy Elewaut: + 32 2 412 29 48
Geoffroy d'Oultremont: + 32 2 412 83 21
Ruth Kinzey (U.S. media): + 1 704 633 82 50 (ext. 2118)
Amy Shue (U.S. investors): + 1 704 633 82 50 (ext. 2529)
Some of the statements in this press release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by Delhaize Group and its representatives are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about strategic options, future strategies and the anticipated benefits of these strategies. These statements are based on Delhaize Group’s current expectations. Delhaize Group’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in Delhaize Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2001 and other periodic filings made by Delhaize Group and Delhaize America with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Delhaize Group and Delhaize America disclaim any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments.