BALTIMORE (July 25, 2016)—Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced today that Maryland and five other states have reached a settlement with Koninklijke Ahold N.V., the owner of Giant supermarkets, and Delhaize Group NV/SA, the owner of Food Lion supermarkets, following the states' review of the companies' proposed merger.
The proposed merger combines the parent companies of multiple supermarket chains in the United States and Europe. Working with the Federal Trade Commission, the State Attorneys General are requiring Ahold and Delhaize to divest 76 stores nationwide in order to complete the merger. Twenty-six of the stores required to be divested are located in Maryland. Weis Markets will be acquiring 21 Food Lions to be integrated into the Weis Chain. Supervalue, Inc. will acquire the four Food Lions in the Hagerstown area and operate them as Shop N Saves. In Salisbury, Maryland, Albertson's will acquire the Giant and operate it under the Acme banner.
"Entering into this Settlement and allowing this merger to be completed with divestitures will ensure a continued and robust competition for the Maryland market," said Attorney General Frosh. "There are numerous Food Lion and Giant stores located throughout Maryland. This settlement maintains a marketplace with incentives for stores to offer the best prices, service, and merchandise to Maryland consumers."
Maryland worked with the Federal Trade Commission and the other Attorneys General in conducting a national review of the transaction. The Attorneys General filed their lawsuit and proposed consent judgment in the federal District Court for the District of Columbia.
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General John Tennis and, Division Chief Ellen Cooper.
RELATED INFORMATION:
Local Food Lions to be Sold to Weis Markets of Pa., July 14, 2016
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