The retail distribution chain Ahold Delhaize, together with Centerbridge Partners, has reached a definitive agreement for the acquisition of the online supermarket FreshDirect, in which the Dutch company will control a majority stake, according to the parties.
“Ahold Delhaize will acquire the majority stake and Centerbridge Partners will be a minority investor, with a 20% stake,” the company said in a statement.
Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2021, FreshDirect will maintain its brand name and continue to operate independently from its New York headquarters.
“The agreement allows us to reach additional customers in the commercial area of New York and, therefore, will add incremental sales to the business. In addition, it allows us to address the growing preference of customers for convenient ways to buy,” said Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize.
