Dutch retail group Ahold has announced its intention to divest its BI-LO and Bruno’s supermarket chains, which both operate in the southeast region of the US.

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Ahold said the intended divestment is part of its strategy to optimise its portfolio and to strengthen its financial position by reducing debt.


The company said it had made a strategic decision to focus its efforts on its remaining US food retail operations, including Stop & Shop, Giant-Landover, Giant-Carlisle, Tops, and Peapod, positioning them for growth.


Ahold said it intends to complete the BI-LO and Bruno’s divestment process in 2004.


BI-LO, headquartered in Mauldin, South Carolina, was acquired by Ahold in 1977. The company operates 292 stores in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

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Bruno’s, based in Birmingham, Alabama, was acquired by Ahold in 2001. The company operates 178 stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.

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