Delhaize Group'Acquires 14 Supermarkets in Romania

The Belgian international food retailer paied 18.6 million euros for the La Fourmi chain.

La Fourmi was the first supermarket
chain to open in Bucharest in 1992. For 2007, it is estimated that
the revenues of the 14 acquired stores amount to approximately EUR 30
million. The 14 stores, which have a size of 350 to 500 square
meters, will be converted to Mega Image supermarkets. Thanks to the
proximity of the acquired stores within Bucharest, Mega Image's
existing distribution center will be used to serve those stores.
The acquisition of La Fourmi is subject
to customary conditions, including the approval by the Romanian
antitrust authorities. The transaction is expected to close in the
second quarter of 2008.
At the end of 2007, Mega Image's
network consisted of 22 stores, 19 in Bucharest, 2 in Constanta and 1
in Ploiesti. The number of employees at the end of 2007 was
approximately 1,200 people. Delhaize Group acquired a 51% stake in
Mega Image in 2000. In 2004, Mega Image became fully-owned by
Delhaize Group.