Reuters – Ahold (AHLN.AS: Quote, Profile, Research)(AHO.N: Quote, Profile, Research) is ignoring requests for meetings with hedge funds Paulson & Co. Inc. andCentaurus Capital, which want to reshuffle the ailing Dutch retailer, a person familiar with the talks said.
The two hedge funds, which jointly control 6.4 percent of Ahold, said last week they want the company to sell its U.S. unit and focus on its most profitable Dutch business.
A breakup of the company would boost its market value to more than 9 euros per share, or around 14 billion euros ($18 billion) from a current 11.5 billion euros, they said.
Paulson and Centaurus have only met Ahold’s management once, along with other shareholders, despite their efforts to meet them individually, the source said. The two funds are now seeking support from other shareholders, the source said.
Ahold declined to comment on the report.
