BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 24, 2012 - Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB, NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, announced today that during its Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting its shareholders have approved the annual accounts for fiscal year 2011 and the distribution of a EUR 1.76 gross dividend per share. After deduction of a 25% withholding tax, this results in a net dividend of EUR 1.32 per share.
The 2011 dividend will become payable to owners of ordinary shares against coupon no. 50. The Delhaize Group shares will start trading ex-coupon on May 29, 2012 (opening of the market). The record date (i.e. the date at which shareholders are entitled to the dividend) is May 31, 2012 (closing of the market) and the dividend will be payable as from June 1, 2012. The ADR dividend record date is May 31, 2012 and the payment of the dividend to Delhaize Group’s ADR holders will be made through Citibank beginning on June 6, 2012.
During the Shareholders Meeting, Delhaize Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Pierre-Olivier Beckers, confirmed the previously announced guidance for the full year 2012.
The shareholders approved the appointment of Ms. Shari Ballard as independent director for a term of three years. The shareholders also approved the renewal of the mandate of Ms. Claire H. Babrowski as an independent director for a term of four years and the renewal of the mandates of Mr. Pierre-Olivier Beckers and Mr. Didier Smits, each for a term of three years.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this press release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by Delhaize Group and its representatives, other than statements of historical fact, which address activities, events and developments that Delhaize Group expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, strategic options, future strategies and the anticipated benefits of these strategies and operating profit guidance, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified as statements that include phrases such as “guidance,” “outlook,” “projected,” “believe,” “target,” “predict,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “may,” “goal,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “should” or other similar words or phrases. Although such statements are based on current information, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those projected depending upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the general economy or the markets of Delhaize Group, in strategy, in consumer spending, in inflation or currency exchange rates or in legislation or regulation; competitive factors; adverse determination with respect to claims; inability to timely develop, remodel, integrate, open, convert or close stores; and supply or quality control problems with vendors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in Delhaize Group’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings made by Delhaize Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Delhaize Group disclaims any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, including operating profit guidance, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments.
