Delhaize Group Reaches an Agreement with Rewe for the Sale of its German Operations

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Jul 14 (MARKET WIRE) --
Delhaize Group (Euronext Brussels: DELB - NYSE: DEG), the Belgian
international food retailer, announced today that it has entered into an
agreement with the German retail group Rewe for the sale of its four
stores operated in Germany. In December 2008, Delhaize Group decided to
start the divestiture process of its four German stores, which now has
been concluded successfully with an agreement to sell these activities to
Rewe.

Michel Eeckhout, Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize Belgium, commented:
"Despite the continued revenue growth of the last years, we decided in
December of last year to sell our non-strategic German activities after
an evaluation of our portfolio. Today, we can announce that we have
reached an agreement with Rewe, which ensures continuity and
opportunities for our customers and our associates in the German market.
We want to especially thank all our colleagues from Delhaize Germany for
their dedication and commitment over the past years. Together we have
learned a lot from our experience in Germany. We wish them all the best
for future success in their new corporate environment."

The divestiture of the four German stores is subject to the customary
conditions, including the approval by the German antitrust authorities.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2009 and at
that time a capital gain will be recognized.

Delhaize Group entered the German market as a test in 2003. In 2008,
Delhaize Germany recorded EUR 19.5 million in revenues and a small
operating loss. Due to the decision to divest, the results of the German
business have been reported as results from discontinued operations in
the 2008 financial statements of Delhaize Group.

Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian food retailer present in seven countries on
three continents. At the end of the first quarter of 2009, Delhaize
Group's sales network consisted of 2 670 stores. In 2008, Delhaize Group
posted EUR 19 billion (USD 28 billion) in revenues and EUR 467 million
(USD 687 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2008,
Delhaize Group employed approximately 141 000 people. Delhaize Group's
stock is listed on Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock
Exchange (DEG).

This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can
also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can
be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.

Contacts

Guy Elewaut: + 32 2 412 29 48
Geert Verellen: + 32 2 412 83 62
Aurelie Bultynck: + 32 2 412 83 61

Amy Shue (U.S. investors): +1 704 633 82 50 (ext. 2529)
Barbera Hoppenbrouwers (media): + 32 2 412 86 69

cautionary note regarding forward looking statements

Statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this press
release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by
Delhaize Group and its representatives, other than statements of
historical fact, which address activities, events and developments that
Delhaize Group expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future,
including, without limitation, statements about strategic options, future
strategies and the anticipated benefits of these strategies, are
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal
securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These
forward-looking statements generally can be identified as statements that
include phrases such as "guidance", "outlook", "projected", "believe",
"target", "predict", "estimate", "forecast", "strategy", "may", "goal",
"expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "foresee", "likely", "will",
"should" or other similar words or phrases. Although such statements are
based on current information, actual outcomes and results may differ
materially from those projected depending upon a variety of factors,
including, but not limited to, changes in the general economy or the
markets of Delhaize Group, in consumer spending, in inflation or currency
exchange rates or in legislation or regulation; competitive factors;
adverse determination with respect to claims; inability to timely
develop, remodel, integrate or convert stores; and supply or quality
control problems with vendors. Additional risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or
implied by such forward-looking statements are described in Delhaize
Group's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings made by
Delhaize Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which
risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Delhaize Group
disclaims any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or
to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking
statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect
future events or developments.

This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is
solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Press release in pdf format: http://hugin.info/133961/R/1328551/313294.pdf

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