Zaandam, The Netherlands, July 12, 2000 - Royal Ahold, the international food provider, announced today commencement of an offering of senior unsecured debt securities in the United States. The securities will be issued by Ahold’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Ahold Finance U.S.A., Inc. and will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Ahold.
The proceeds of the offering, pursuant to Ahold’s USD 3 billion shelf registration statement of June 8, 1999, will be used to refinance existing debt. Ahold Finance expects to raise approximately USD 500 million. The securities are expected to be offered during the week of
July 17, 2000. J.P. Morgan & Co. (bookrunner) and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter will act as joint lead managers.
A copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement and related prospectus may be obtained from Ahold Investor Relations, tel.: +31 75 659 5828.