BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delhaize Group announced today that during its Ordinary Shareholders Meeting its shareholders approved the annual accounts for fiscal year 2014 and the distribution of a €1.60 gross dividend per share. After deduction of a 25% withholding tax, this results in a net dividend of €1.20 per share.
The 2014 dividend will become payable to owners of ordinary shares against coupon no. 53. The Delhaize Group ordinary shares will start trading ex-coupon on June 2, 2015 (opening of the market). The record date (i.e. the date by which shareholders are entitled to the dividend) is June 3, 2015 (closing of the market) and the payment date is June 4, 2015. The ADR dividend record date is June 3, 2015 and the payment of the dividend to Delhaize Group's ADR holders will be made through Citibank beginning on June 9, 2015.
During the Shareholders Meeting, Delhaize Group's President and Chief Executive Officer, Frans Muller, confirmed its previously announced intentions for 2015 to focus on two strategic priorities, being the further roll-out of Easy, Fresh & Affordable to another 160 Food Lion stores and the implementation of the Transformation Plan at Delhaize Belgium. Mr. Muller also confirmed that Delhaize Group will spend approximately €700 million in capital expenditures at identical exchange rates while generating a healthy free cash flow.
The shareholders also approved the appointment of Mrs Dominique Leroy and Mr. Patrick De Maeseneire as independent directors for a term of four years.
Shareholders did reject the company's Remuneration Report by a vote of 54.1% to 45.9%. In response, Mats Jansson, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Delhaize Group, said "We are disappointed by this vote, but we will take the result into consideration and consult with our shareholders."
The speeches and presentations have been made available on the Delhaize Group website (www.delhaizegroup.com).
» Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of March 2015, Delhaize Group's sales network consisted of 3 410 stores. In 2014, Delhaize Group recorded €21.4 billion ($29.4 billion) in revenues and €89 million ($118 million) net profit (Group share). At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group employed approximately 150 000 people. Delhaize Group's stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).
This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.
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