Revenue growth at Ahold in “strong second quarter”

Supermarket group Ahold saw an increase in both turnover and profits in what CEO Dick Boer calls "a strong second quarter". In the second quarter of this year, the group's turnover increased by 17 percent to 8.7 billion euros, NOS reports. With 195 million euros, profits were one third higher than in the same quarter in 2014. The growth in profits is somewhat distorted due to the fact that Ahold had to put a large amount of money aside last year in connection with a legal dispute in the United States. The turnover of Dutch stores, such as Albert Heijn, Etos and Gall & Gall increased. The online activities of bol.com and Albert Heijn Online even grew by more than 30 percent. Ahold opened eight new supermarkets in Belgium. In June the group announced that it will merge with Belgian supermarket chain Delhaize. The acquisition is expected to be completed by middle next year. "We are excited about the agreement with Delhaize", Boer said to the broadcaster "We complement each other well and together we form a stronger international retailer, from which customers, employees and shareholders will benefit." Ahold's turnover and market share are also continuing to grow in the United States, which acounts for two thirds of the group's revenue.