Axfood once again in cooperation with Vi stores

Axfood and the Vi Retailers Association today entered into a cooperation agreement. The agreement, which will take effect in November 2009, has a term of five years.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Axfood Group will supply retail food products to Vi stores through Dagab, Axfood's wholly owned logistics company. The agreement also entails the inclusion of Vi stores in Axfood's purchasing operations and will create opportunities for more in-depth cooperation in such areas as store establishment, product range issues, IT and training.

"Together with the Vi stores we are creating a long-term and competitive alternative for food retailers in Sweden," says Anders Strålman, President and CEO of Axfood. "This cooperation also enhances Axfood's total purchasing power – together we will be stronger in the Stockholm area."

Bo Rundström, President of the Vi Retailers Association, comments: "The trend in recent years shows that we must create a strong platform for independent food retailers, where we can develop our strength in having proprietor-run stores. Together with Axfood we can develop, deepen and strengthen our competitive ability and offer our customers undiminished freedom of choice and attractive prices."

The practical work surrounding the cooperation will begin immediately. Dagab will begin delivering products to the Vi stores on 1 November 2009.

For further information, please contact:
Anders Strålman, President and CEO, Axfood AB, +46-70-2931693
Bo Rundström, President, Vi Retailers Association, +46-8-522 412 02 or +46-70 715 60 55
Claes Andersson, Chairman, Vi Retailers Association, +46-8-587 050 25 or +46-70 630 44 05


Invitation to press conference
Welcome to a press conference to be held at 1.30 p.m. today, 11 December 2008, at the head offices of the Vi Retailers Association, Gjörwellsgatan 28, Stockholm.

Participants:
Vi Retailers Association: Bo Rundström (President) and Claes Andersson (Chairman)
Axfood AB: Anders Strålman (President and CEO) and Anders Quist (Head of Business Development)

For practical matters concerning the press conference, please contact Henrik Engberg, tel. +46-70 565 15 62.