Ahold to sell Dutch foodservice business
Deli XL on the market
Ahold is looking for a buyer for its Benelux foodservice business, Deli XL.
The sale is part of the ongoing strategic review of Ahold’s operations, with the world’s third biggest retail group set to invite formal bids soon.
Deli XL is the foodservice market leader in the Netherlands and Belgium, with presence in aroundg 30,000 hospitals, company canteens, schools and hospitality outlets.
Ahold President & CEO Anders Moberg said: “We have decided to divest Deli XL despite the fact that we believe the company is well placed to take advantage of growth opportunities as the fragmented European foodservice industry consolidates.
“Our Dutch business arena strategy is targeted on its retail activities. The investment and management attention needed to assume a greater role in European foodservice is inconsistent with this focus. We therefore believe that Deli XL’s huge potential can better be realized under new ownership.”
Ahold stressed that the decision to sell Deli XL has no implications for its American foodservice subsidiary US Foodservice.
