Delhaize Group Announces Senior Promotions, 2Q Increase

Delhaize Group, a global supermarket retailer headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, announced the promotion of two senior executives at two of its Delhaize America business units, following the Group's board of directors meeting held in Salisbury, NC.

Rick Anicetti has been named president of Salisbury-based Food Lion. Anicetti, a 20-year veteran of the supermarket industry, has been executive vice president and chief operating officer at Food Lion since August 2000. Prior to that, he was executive vice president of Hannaford Bros. Co., Food Lion's sister company. During his tenure
with the Scarborough, Maine-based grocery store chain, Anicetti held management level positions in retail, merchandising, human resources and distribution.

Ron Hodge, president of Hannaford, has assumed the additional duties of CEO. Hodge, a 20-year veteran of the company, has served in both retail and general management positions. He has been involved with positioning Hannaford in the entry of new markets and successfully integrating acquisitions into the company's banner.

Hugh Farrington, previously CEO of Hannaford, will continue his duties as Vice Chairman of Delhaize America, including the direct oversight of Kash n' Karry, Hannaford and the Delhaize America synergy teams. He will also lend his extensive supermarket experience in support of Food Lion. Farrington will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors of Delhaize Group and of the newly formed Office of the CEO for Delhaize Group.

Bill McCanless will continue in his role as CEO of Delhaize America and Food Lion. He, too, will also continue to serve as a member of the board of directors of Delhaize Group and a member of the Office of the CEO of Delhaize Group.

The realignment of executive responsibilities among the Delhaize America banners will enhance the organization's operational effectiveness as well as lead to strengthening its position in the market, according to McCanless.

"I have a great deal of confidence in Rick and Ron's leadership abilities. By promoting from within two of our banners, our individual subsidiaries will remain strong, and our DZA officers will be able to focus on capitalizing on the strengths of each company," McCanless said.

In related news, Delhaize Group reported on Thursday an increase of cash earnings per outstanding share by a strong 15.4% to EUR 1.07 in the second quarter of 2001. Delhaize Group's sales rose by 39.8% to EUR 5.5 billion, and its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 53.7% to EUR 412.7 million. This resulted in a solid EBITDA margin for Delhaize Group of 7.5% (6.8% in the second quarter of 2000), positioning Delhaize Group as one of the most profitable international food retailers.
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