Reports: Ahold, Delhaize exploring merger

 

 

AMSTERDAM — Widespread reports that Ahold and Delhaize are at the negotiation table on a possible merger helped drive both stocks higher, Monday, as analysts explored the ramifications of an Ahold/Delhaize marriage. 

 

According to Drug Store News' PoweRx Top Pharmacy Retailers report, a combined Ahold/Delhaize U.S. operation would generate more than $2.8 billion in annual pharmacy revenue with more than 825 retail pharmacy operations if there were no store closures. The combined entity would rank No. 13 among pharmacy operators, falling behind Target at No. 12. 

 

The talks have started recently and are in an early stage, Belgian dailies De Tijd and L'Echo reported Saturday, citing unnamed sources.

 

According to MarketWatch, a combination would create one of Europe's largest food retailers with around 54 billion euros ($60.6 billion) in annual sales. It would also create a strong player along the U.S. East Coast, where both companies generate about 60% of their total revenue.