Dutch retailer Royal Ahold has remained silent on rumours that its board of directors is divided over proposals to sell off the retailer’s US units.

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Two of the company’s major shareholders, hedge funds Centaurus Capital and Paulson & Co, have called for the retailer’s core American businesses to be sold off. The retailer’s US chains generate around 70% of group sales and include the Stop & Shop, Giant Landover and Tops banners.


According to a report in The Business the board is split on the issue. “The board is divided. Everything is on the table. It is not smooth sailing, and it’s going to take a little more time,” a source close to the company told the newspaper.


In a conference call held on Thursday (7 September) to discuss second-quarter results, Ahold chief executive Anders Moberg said that the company has not entered into a dialogue with either hedge fund. He added that Ahold had not received a take-over approach from private equity firms.


However, The Business reported that a source confirmed that there is a potential buyer, thought to be a private equity group interested in making a bid for the entire business.

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Ahold declined to comment on the rumours when approached by just-food this morning.

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