Ahold, Delhaize shareholders approve grocery merger

Ahold shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the company`s proposal to merge with Delhaize Group.

Ahold is buying Delhaize for $11 billion in a deal announced last year that will create one of the largest food retailers on the U.S. East Coast, as Ahold operates Stop & Shop and Delhaize operates Hannaford and Food Lion.

"We deeply appreciate the overwhelming support of our shareholders, as well as their confidence in the future of Ahold Delhaize," saidAhold Chairman Jan Hommen. "This is a critical milestone in the completion of our proposed merger, which will create an even stronger international food retailer for all stakeholders."

Shareholders of Ahold also approved the appointments of members of the future Ahold Delhaize Management Board and the Supervisory Board, which will take effect when the merger is completed.

The combined company, Ahold Delhaize, will bring together a portfolio of more than 6,500 stores and more than 375,000 associates serving more than 50 million customers each week across the United States and Europe. The transaction is on track for completion in mid-2016.