Daily Archives: July 21, 2014

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AHOLD REPURCHASED 366,228 AHOLD COMMON SHARES FOR € 4.94 MILLION BETWEEN JULY 14 AND JULY 18, 2014

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2014-7-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ahold has repurchased 366,228 Ahold common shares in the period from July 14, 2014 up to and including July 18, 2014.

The shares were repurchased at an average price of € 13.4927 per share for a total consideration of € 4.94 million. These repurchases were made as part of the € 500 million share buyback program announced on February 28, 2013 as increased by € 1.5 billion to a total amount of € 2 billion announced on June 4, 2013.

The total number of shares repurchased under this program to date is 123,430,533 common shares for a total consideration of € 1,604.94 million.

During the share buyback program, Ahold publishes a press release every Monday with a weekly update. Click here to view all the relevant information of these these weekly updates. Separate weekly press releases are available upon request. Please send an email to communications@ahold.com if you would like to receive one or more of these weekly releases.

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Darty’s Finance Director Dominic Platt to step down from September 2015

London, UK, 2014-7-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Darty plc, a leading multi-channel electrical retailer, today announces that it will be transferring a number of the remaining central support functions based in London to Paris over the coming year as it further consolidates its head office function in line with the focus on its core business.

Dominic Platt, Finance Director, has also informed the Board of his intention to step down from his role and seek new opportunities elsewhere. Dominic has agreed to continue in his role until the September 2015 AGM at the latest in order to oversee the moves to Paris and to allow an orderly handover to his successor.  A search for his successor has commenced, led by the Group’s Chairman Alan Parker.

Alan Parker, Chairman of Darty, said:
“Dominic has made a tremendous contribution since he joined the company nearly five years ago.  Darty is now a completely different business to the one that Dominic joined – Dominic’s knowledge and experience have proved invaluable through what has been a period of great change and he has played a key role in developing and implementing the clear strategy we now have to grow profitably. We wish him well in the future.”

Dominic Platt added:
“I have greatly enjoyed my time at Darty.  I am particularly pleased with the restructuring programme that we have undertaken, focusing the business back on its core markets and exiting the loss making businesses. The business is well-placed for the future, including our recent successful bond issue and refinancing, and I am looking forward to a new opportunity in the future.”

ENDS

Enquiries

Analysts:

Darty plc
Simon Ward
+44 (0) 20 7269 1400

Press:

UK
RLM Finsbury
Rollo Head
+44 (0) 20 7251 3801
Jenny Davey
France
Le Public Système
Ségolène de Saint Martin
+33 1 41 34 23 31 / +33 6 16 40 90 73

About Darty plc
Darty group is a leading multi-channel service led electrical retailer operating over 380 stores in five European countries and achieving over 13 per cent of its product sales on the web. It generated an annual turnover of over €3.5 billion in 2013/14 through operations in Darty France, Vanden Borre in Belgium, BCC in the Netherlands and Datart in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Its ordinary shares are listed with the UK Listing Authority and trade on the market for listed securities on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol DRTY.L. It is also listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris.

For further information, please visit the company’s website, www.dartygroup.com.

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward looking statements.  Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future results in forward looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, regulations or accounting standards, Darty plc does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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The National Grocers Association brings the iconic pop music group “America” at the 2015 NGA Show, February 8 – 11, 2015 in Las Vegas

Arlington, VA, 2014-7-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Grocers Association (NGA) is bringing the hit-making music group America to its stage for the Chairman’s Gala at the 2015 NGA Show, held February 8 – 11, 2015 in Las Vegas, NV.

“America has entertained listeners since the 1970s with ballads, such as ‘A Horse With No Name’ that have never grown old for generations of fans,” said NGA President and CEO Peter Larkin.

“We are excited to have America perform at our 2015 show in front of what will surely be an enthusiastic audience of lifelong fans.”

From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Formed in 1971, founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song and first Number One single,  “A Horse With No Name.” The trio won the Grammy® for Best New Artist in 1972 and soon became a global household name. America produced song after song that climbed the Top 40 charts, including “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “You Can Do Magic,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair.” Forty-plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.

The NGA Show is the place where independents gather, connecting grocery retailers and wholesalers, food manufacturers and service providers from around the world to share fresh ideas and innovative thinking that helps strengthen the independent grocery industry and helps build profits.

Registration to the 2015 NGA Show is open August 1, 2014. For more information on the 2015 NGA Show, visit www.theNGAshow.com.

If you need additional information, please contact Laura Strange at 703-516-8808.

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Toys“R”Us, Inc. appoints Michael J. Short EVP and CFO

WAYNE, NJ, 2014-7-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Toys“R”Us, Inc. today announced that it has named Michael J. Short Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc., effective June 23. Mr. Short, 53, a seasoned finance executive with broad retail and corporate development experience, was most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AutoNation for seven years. He will serve as a member of the company’s Global Executive Committee and report to Antonio Urcelay, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc.

Mr. Urcelay said, “We are delighted to have Mike join the organization during this transformational time for our company and look forward to the benefit of his strong financial and strategic experience, as well as his unique insights and fresh perspective on the business.”

Prior to his most recent role at AutoNation, Mr. Short was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Universal Orlando. Earlier in his career, he served in a variety of finance roles at Universal Orlando, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. and IBM Corporation. Mr. Short was also a helicopter pilot and tactics instructor for the United States Navy, based out of Norfolk, VA. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and received a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University.

Mr. Short said, “I am excited to join the Toys“R”Us team to help lead the successful execution of the company’s ‘TRU Transformation’ strategy and position the business for profitable growth in the future.”

Mr. Short succeeds Clay Creasey, who has left the organization after eight years.

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 879 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 705 international stores and over 190 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites includingToysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrusand Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. All statements herein that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, among others, risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in our reports and documents filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which reports and documents should be read in conjunction with this press release). We believe that all forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions when made; however, we caution that it is impossible to predict actual results or outcomes or the effects of risks, uncertainties or other factors on anticipated results or outcomes and that, accordingly, one should not place undue reliance on these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update these statements in light of subsequent events or developments. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from anticipated results or outcomes discussed in any forward-looking statement.

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For more information, please contact:

Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Kathleen Waugh
973-617-5888 or 646-366-8823
waughk@toysrus.com

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Apple® appoints Susan L. Wagner to its board of directors

Bill Campbell Retiring After 17 Years of Service

CUPERTINO, California, 2014-7-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Apple® today announced that Susan L. Wagner, founding partner and director of BlackRock, has been elected to Apple’s board of directors. Bill Campbell, the board’s longest-serving member, is retiring after 17 years of service.

Wagner co-founded BlackRock in 1988 and helped it become one of the world’s most successful asset-management companies, holding a range of leadership positions including vice chairman until mid-2012. She continues to serve on the boards of BlackRock and DSP BlackRock (India), as well as Swiss Re, Wellesley College and Hackley School.

“Sue is a pioneer in the financial industry and we are excited to welcome her to Apple’s board of directors,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We believe her strong experience, especially in M&A and building a global business across both developed and emerging markets, will be extremely valuable as Apple continues to grow around the world.”

“We conducted an exhaustive search for someone who would further strengthen our board’s breadth of talent and background, and we are delighted to have identified such an outstanding individual,” said Art Levinson, Apple’s chairman. “I’m confident that Sue is going to make an important and positive impact on our company.”

“I have always admired Apple for its innovative products and dynamic leadership team, and I’m honored to be joining their board,” said Wagner. “I have tremendous respect for Tim, Art and the other board members, and I look forward to working with them.”

Wagner graduated with honors from Wellesley College with a BA in English and Economics, and earned an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago. She has been recognized as one of Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and honored by the National Council for Research on Women. At BlackRock, she championed and continues to support the Women’s Initiative Network, designed to foster the full potential of women within the company.

Bill Campbell’s relationship with Apple dates back to 1983, when he joined the company as vice president of Marketing. Next to Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Mike Markkula, Campbell is the longest-serving board member in the company’s history.

“Bill’s contributions to Apple are immeasurable and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. On behalf of the board and the entire company, I want to thank him for being a leader, a mentor and a friend,” said Cook. “When Bill joined Apple’s board, the company was on the brink of collapse. He not only helped Apple survive, but he’s led us to a level of success that was simply unimaginable back in 1997.”

“Over the past 17 years, it’s been exciting to watch history unfold as Apple emerged as the premier technology company in the world. Working with Steve and Tim has been a joy,” said Campbell. “The company today is in the best shape that I have seen it, and Tim’s leadership of his strong team will allow Apple to continue to be great going forward.”

Apple designs Macs, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

Press Contacts:

Steve Dowling
Apple
dowling@apple.com
(408) 974-1896

Kristin Huguet
Apple
khuguet@apple.com
(408) 974-2414

Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPhone, iPad, AppleCare and App Store are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple Media Helpline (408) 974-2042 media.help@apple.com