Ahold, Delhaize Take Further Legal Steps Toward Merger

Retail food giants Royal Ahold and Delhaize Group have filed the common draft terms of their cross-border merger, or joint merger proposal. Delhaize filed the proposal at the Brussels Commercial Court, a step required before presentation to shareholders at upcoming extraordinary general meetings. The companies announced their intention to merge last June. The merger will create a company with more than 375,000 associates in the United States and Europe. They expect to complete the merger by mid-year, assuming shareholder and regulatory approvals.