FreshDirect becomes the acquisition of Ahold Delhaize and Centerbridge Partners

Ahold Delhaize, one of the world’s largest food retail groups, and Centerbridge Partners, a private investment management firm, announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FreshDirect, an online grocer based in New York City.

Following the close of the deal, FreshDirect will retain its brand name, report to a seven-person board, and continue to operate independently outside its New York-based facility.

FreshDirect is one of the leaders in the US online grocery sector, with 20 years of local market. As the name suggests, the company specializes on fresh food, which represents over 60% of its sales. FreshDirect's efficient supply chain enables faster and more direct delivery of fresh food. The company also brings with a highly scalable and state-of-the-art fulfillment center, located in the Bronx, New York City. Crucially, its ecommerce platform allows customers ordering from picking through packaging, to last mile delivery, including same day and rush delivery options.

Frans Muller, Ahold Delhaize’s Chief Executive Officer, commented that this acquisition contributes to the further propels of their omni-channel evolution. It is a great addition to the company's portfolio of leading local brands. “The deal allows us to reach additional customers in the New York trade area and therefore will add incremental sales to the business. It further enables us to address customers’ growing preference for convenient ways to shop,” he added.

For FreshDirect, this transaction marks an important milestone in the company's continued growth. “I believe Ahold Delhaize’s global scale, focus on strong, leading local brands, and ability to utilize cost-of-goods synergies, will allow our company to achieve its full potential,” shared David McInerney, FreshDirect’s Chief Executive Officer.

Ahold Delhaize is one of the world’s largest food retail groups in both supermarkets and e-Commerce. Local brands, partners of the group, serves 54 million customers weekly in the United States, Europe and Indonesia. Together, these brands employ more than 380,000 associates in 6,967 grocery and specialty stores, including the top online retailer in the Benelux and the leading chain grocery stores in the Benelux and the US.

More information can be found on the group’s website.

FreshDirect is one of the leading online fresh food grocers, delivering directly to customers in seven states, including the metropolitan areas of New York City and Philadelphia, and the District of Columbia. The company is committed to sourcing the freshest produce and specialties through direct relationships with suppliers, growers and farmers.

For more information, visit company’s website.

Centerbridge Partners, L.P. is a privately held investment management firm. They aims to partner with world-class management teams across targeted industry and geographies to help companies achieve their operational and financial objectives.

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