Ahold Delhaize

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. -- Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc., based here, yesterday said that it had acquired a portfolio of eight properties in Virginia and Pennsylvania anchored by, or leased entirely to, supermarkets, for $93.8 million, exclusive of closing costs and fees.

BRUSSELS, Belgium --Global retailer Delhaize Group, whose primary market is the U.S., posted a 23 percent drop in second-quarter earnings yesterday, which was lower than expected. The company attributed the slide to higher operating expenses, the competitive environment in key markets, and a soft economy in Belgium. The bright spot was the payoff from conversions of its Kash 'n Karry stores to the new Sweetbay format, which Delhaize said has outpaced expectations. The conversion program will be accelerated in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market next year.

QUINCY, Mass. and LANDOVER, Md. -- Stop & Shop and Giant Food Stores have so far raised more than $700,000 from generous shoppers through the sale of patriotic wristbands, the proceeds of which go to help wounded veterans of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

ZAANDAM, Netherlands -- Impacted by the lower U.S. exchange rate, Ahold posted a sales decline of 0.9 percent to 10.4 billion euros in the second quarter. The company said excluding currency, its sales grew by 0.6 percent.

ZAANDAM, Netherlands -- Ahold will acquire up to 67 Julius Meinl supermarkets in the Czech Republic for an undisclosed sum, the global retailer based here said yesterday. As its first acquisition since embarking on its "Road to Recovery" three years ago in the wake of a major accounting scandal, the deal will increase Ahold's store count in the Czech Republic to about 300, and in Central Europe to approximately 520.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Food Lion has brought in a merchandiser from Kroger to help with its ongoing strategy to focus more intensively on fresh.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Tops Markets, LLC here said yesterday it is seeking buyers for its 31 stores located in eastern New York and the Adirondack region, as the Ahold unit and division of Giant of Carlisle, Pa., focuses on its core markets in western New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Food Lion, a unit of Delhaize America, based here, said yesterday it has named Brad Smith v.p. of accounting, and Paul LaCroix v.p. of dry category management.