USA: Statement by Lisa Kent, president of Netgrocer

The following is being issued by Netgrocer.com: "We know that Webvan's decision to exit the business will be difficult for its customers and employees. We had hoped that all of the major Companies in the on-line grocery category would ultimately be successful; but Webvan's bankruptcy filing underscores the challenges and capital requirements for building national scale for a van-delivery model. Netgrocer has always believed that outsourced shipping of non-perishables goods provides the most cost effective growth vehicle to meet consumers' on-line grocery needs. We've recently begun to service some of Peapod's customers nationally with our box and ship service, and as the only online grocer that can serve every zip code, we will continue to try and work with Webvan to acquire and service their customers as well."