Ahold 'shocked' by Boston attack, CEO tells shareholders

AMSTERDAM — Royal Ahold CEO Dick Boer expressed condolences for the victims of Monday's bombing of the Boston Marathon in a meeting with shareholders Wednesday.

"The Boston area is, of course, one of our main U.S. markets, and our thousands of employees are shocked by Monday's events," Boer said. "Our thoughts are with everyone in the city of Boston and the surrounding communities, and especially the families and friends of those affected."

The company's Stop & Shop banner has a prominent and long-standing presence in the area.

Boer also gave a summary of events at the company in 2012, highlighting collective bargaining agreements with UFCW local unions to find solutions to cost increases related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that work for the company and its employees. Two-thirds of the company's U.S. employees are members of unions, Boer said.

Boer also highlighted the purchase of 15 Genuardi's stores in the Philadelphia by Giant-Carlisle and the expansion of the Peapod online grocery service, including the opening of new pickup points.