BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 23, 2013 - Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB, NYSE: DEG), the Belgian international food retailer, announced today that during its Ordinary Shareholders Meeting its shareholders have approved the annual accounts for fiscal year 2012 and the distribution of a €1.40 gross dividend per share. After deduction of a 25% withholding tax, this results in a net dividend of €1.05 per share.
The 2012 dividend will become payable to owners of ordinary shares against coupon no. 51. The Delhaize Group shares will start trading ex-coupon on May 28, 2013 (opening of the market). The record date (i.e. the date at which shareholders are entitled to the dividend) is May 30, 2013 (closing of the market) and the dividend will be payable as from May 31, 2013. The ADR dividend record date is May 30, 2013 and the payment of the dividend to Delhaize Group’s ADR holders will be made through Citibank beginning on June 5, 2013.
During the Shareholders Meeting, Delhaize Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Pierre-Olivier Beckers, confirmed the previously announced guidance for the full year 2013.
The shareholders approved the appointment of Ms. Liz Doherty as independent director for a term of three years.
Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in ten countries on three continents. At the end of the first quarter of 2013, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 411 stores. In 2012, Delhaize Group posted €22.6 billion ($29.0 billion) in revenues and €104 million ($134 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2012, Delhaize Group employed approximately 158 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).