Dutch retailer Ahold posts rise of sales, profit in Q3

Ahold had an increase of sales and income in the third quarter of 2015, the Dutch international retailer announced on Wednesday.

Net sales amounted to 8.440 billion euros (about 9.03 billion U.S. dollars) in the third quarter of 2015, compared to 7.472 billion in the same period one year ago, a rise of 13 percent, up 1.7 percent at constant exchange rates. The net income increased by 6.2 percent from 178 to 189 million euros.

Ahold's net sales in the United States rose by 16.6 percent in Q3 from 4.501 billion euros in 2014 to 5.248 billion euros in 2015.

In the Netherlands net sales went up by 7.4 percent from 2.604 to 2.796 billion euros, while the Czech Republic division also posted an increase of Q3 net sales, from 367 million euros last year to 396 million this year (+7.9 percent).

"The group delivered a strong performance during the third quarter," said Ahold CEO Dick Boer in a press release, adding "We made further progress against our strategic priorities and the investments in our brands are strengthening our customer proposition across all of our markets."

In June this year Ahold and Belgian counterpart Delhaize announced they have an agreement to combine their businesses through a merger.

"Looking ahead, we are on track to deliver a full year performance in line with expectations and to complete the proposed merger with Delhaize by mid-2016," Boer added.

"This combination will create a stronger international food retailer for the benefit of our customers, associates and shareholders," said Boer. (1 euro = 1.07 U.S. dollars) Endit