A new giant retailer may appear

Dutch retailer Ahold and Belgian supermarket chain Delhaize have begun discussions at the highest level on a possible merger, Belgian newspapers reported on Saturday.

The reports in financial newspapers De Tijd and L'Echo, quoting several unnamed sources, said the talks had just started and were in a preliminary phase.

Ahold spokesman Tim van der Zanden said: “We do not comment on market rumours.” Delhaize spokesman Charles Davis also said the company did not comment on market rumours.

Delhaize has for years been cited by analysts as a potential merger partner for Ahold and, according to L'Echo, the two companies held very advanced negotiations in 2006 and 2007. (portfolio.hu)