Axfood acquires Matex store in Örnsköldsvik

Axfood acquires the Matex store in Örnsköldsvik, with annual sales of SEK 110 m. The store will be converted to Hemköp during the month of June.

“This is yet another deal that is entirely in line with Axfood’s strategy to increase the number of wholly owned stores,” says Anders Nyberg, head of business development at Axfood AB. In 2004 Axfood made the decision to combine the Hemköp and Spar chains and thereby create a proprietor-run store division within Hemköp. The decision adds over 170 stores to the Hemköp chain with combined sales of roughly SEK 9 billion. Conversions from Spar to Hemköp will be completed before mid-year 2005. “We have begun building of one of Sweden’s premier grocery store chains,” says Carl-Erik Möller, President of Hemköp. “We are targeting the large group of consumers who take an active interest in food and cooking. Through the new chain’s size we will be able to offer attractive prices as well as the best foods – both with respect to quality and innovativeness.” The store employees will be transferred to Hemköp in connection with the takeover. For further information, please contact: Anders Nyberg, Head of Business Development, Axfood AB, +46-705-27 37 47 Carl-Erik Möller, President, Hemköp, +46-705-47 94 06 Kenneth Wall, Press Manager, Axfood AB, +46-703-124 122 For additional information, visit: www.axfood.se