Ahold Delhaize likely to be eyed by Amazon, Kroger
Ahold Delhaize [AD.EN], the Dutch – Belgian supermarket chain, could become a target for the US internet company Amazon [NASDAQ:AMZN] or for the US retail company Kroger [NYSE:KR], the Dutch daily Het Financieele Dagblad reported, citing several financial analysts.
Analyst Bruno Monteyne, of business bank Bernstein told the daily that after acquiring supermarket chain Whole Foods, Amazon could be out for more. In that case Ahold Delhaize is a likely target, especially when it comes to the activities of Ahold in the US. Other potential targets for Amazon are the British chains Morrison and Sainsbury, as well as the French supermarket chain Carrefour.
The US retail company Kroger could also be interested in acquiring Ahold Delhaize, the report said. If Kroger would acquire Ahold Delhaize it would grow into a company with an annual turnover of USD 180bn.
Analyst Steward McGuire of Credit Suise also said that Ahold Delhaize is a tempting target for US supermarket chains.
In late 2018, Ahold Delhaize will lose its protective foundation, which will strongly increase the company as a target for takeover.