Ahold Exploring Strategic Alternatives for Scandinavian Retailer

Ahold is looking at strategic options in regard to its 60 percent holding in Scandinavian retailer ICA. An IPO on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm in Sweden is one of the alternatives under consideration.

Amsterdam-based Ahold introduced a new growth strategy last year, with the aim of creating value for the businesses it controls.

Ahold and Sweden’s Hakon Invest AB jointly share controlling interest over ICA. During the strategic review, which is expected to take from six to 12 months, Ahold will continue to collaborate closely with Hakon to create the best conditions for ICA to keep growing and attaining its goals.

The top food retailer in Sweden, Solna-based ICA also operates ICA and Rimi stores in Norway, and Rimi stores in the Baltic countries. Altogether, ICA has 2,215 retailer-owned and company-operated retail food stores.