Koninklijke Ahold N.V. (Ahold) is an international group of supermarket companies based in the United States and Europe. Ahold’s principal business is the operation of retail food stores in the United States and Europe through subsidiaries and joint ventures. In addition some of the Company’s subsidiaries finance, develop and manage store sites and shopping centers in support of its retail operations. Ahold’s retail operations are presented in five segments: Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover, Giant-Carlisle, Albert Heijn, Albert/Hypernova, Other retail and Corporate Center. During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008, Ahold divested its 73.2% interest in Schuitema.