Done deal for merger of two supermarket giants

The Federal Trade Commission has given its blessing to a deal that creates the fourth largest supermarket company in the United States.



Delhaize Group, based in Belgium, is the owner of Food Lion. Ahold, based in the Netherlands, is the parent company of Stop & Shop. The combined company, called Ahold Delhaize, will generate about 61% of its revenue in the U.S. It operate some 6,500 stores under a portfolio of banners.



Delhaize Group, based in Belgium, is the owner of Stop & Shop. Ahold, based in the Netherlands, is the parent company of Food Lion. The combined company, called Ahold Delhaize, will generate about 61% of its revenue in the U.S. It operate some 6,500 stores under a portfolio of banners.



"Today marks the successful completion of this cross-border merger, bringing together two great food retail companies," said Jan Hommen, Ahold supervisory board chairman. "Ahold Delhaize is ready for a strong start, building on its strong foundation, heritage and complementary businesses."



The companies first announced the deal in June 2015. Last week, the two retailers reached agreements to divest 86 U.S. stores. The stores are in a limited number of locations in which the companies' U.S. subsidiaries both operate.