Trading Partners

ZAANDAM, The Netherlands - Ahold today said it intends to divest its operations in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Paraguay, in order to concentrate on its mature and most stable markets and generate funds to pay down debt.

NEW YORK -- Bankrupt grocery distributor Fleming Cos. said secured a commitment for $50 million in interim funding as a bridge until it gets its $150 million debtor-in-possession financing.

New York, NY - Today's global consumers connect with brand franchises that symbolize trust, offer a specific expertise, and group products logically, according to a study released today by ACNielsen, the world's leading marketing information company.

NEW YORK - Less than two months after losing its biggest supply contract to Kmart Corp., Fleming Cos. Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection this morning, according court papers filed in Delaware.

NEW YORK - Fleming Cos. is reportedly talking to vendors about "near-term liquidity constraints" while it seeks alternative financing which, if it does not receive, may cause uncertainty about its ability to do business, Reuters reports.

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - Albertsons will begin implementing UCCnet's item registration and data synchronization services for its more than 2,300 retail stores in 31 states nationwide, according to officials from both companies. UCCnet says Boise-based Albertsons is one of the first major U.S. food retailers to implement its registration and synchronization services.

TROY, Mich. - Bankrupt discount retailer Kmart Corp. here lost $3.22 billion for the last fiscal year, but still expects to emerge from bankruptcy by April 30. The retailer also said it has completed its switch from Fleming as its grocery supplier.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., -- While IT spending by the U.S. retail industry decreased by 3.4% in 2002 from the prior year, IDC anticipates that IT spending will increase again in the retail industry in 2003 and reach $29.6 billion by 2007, representing a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%.