International News - Ahold may offload Bruno's in US asset sale

Ahold may dispose of more of its peripheral assets in the US next year.

A year of turmoil, prompted by an accounting scandal, has already resulted in the sale of a raft of businesses and a EUR3 billion (£2.11 billion) rights issue.

According to M+M Planet Retail analyst Bryan Roberts, changes in the US are likely in the New Year. In October, Ahold sold its 138 Golden Gallon forecourt stores for US$187 million (£106.9 million) and Roberts thinks more US disposals - potentially including regional supermarket chain Bruno's - are likely.

He said: 'The US is the main market for Ahold and it has a strong chain there in Stop & Shop. That is a fantastic business that it should focus on.'

Roberts also believes that Ahold will attempt to revive its scandal-hit Foodservice business and then sell it.

He said: 'Ahold will want to improve it (Foodservice), so the price it gets will provide a return for shareholders. There won't be a shortage of potential buyers in three years' time.'