The Netherlands, explained in English · Friday 30 October 2026Fri 30 Oct

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Economy

Albert Heijn owner buys Tesco stores in Czechia and Slovakia

Ahold Delhaize, the Dutch group behind Albert Heijn, is buying British retailer Tesco's supermarket operations in the two countries.

Ahold Delhaize, the owner of supermarket chain Albert Heijn, is taking over the operations of British retailer Tesco in Czechia and Slovakia. The deal makes the Dutch group the owner of more than 360 supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores, plus more than a hundred franchise stores.

Together the stores have a turnover of about €3.5bn. They employ more than 14,000 people.

Ahold Delhaize chief executive Frans Muller said in a statement: "This takeover is an important step in strengthening our position in Central and Southeast Europe."

Tesco says the sale lets it focus more on its main activities in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2027, provided regulators approve it.