Corporate Principles*
i hold is primarily a retail organization, producing and distributing goods, and
rendering services directly to a huge number of consumers through its chain stores
in t he Netherlands and the United States. In addition, a growing number of
institutional clients are served through Ahold's fast-developing institutional sales
activities.
I he objective of the Group is to maintain its ability to perform its important role in
society, both in its existing and in new market areas.
As a successful enterprise, Ahold provides extensive employment opportunities. To
fulfill its objective and its related responsibilities, it needs to ensure its continuity. Ahold
wishes to be able to determine its own future, and therefore strives to maintain its inde
pendence and its own identity.
To remain successful and robust, Ahold must achieve the following:
- A large body of customers must regard Ahold as committed, competitive, responsive
to their ever-changing needs, and progressive on issues concerning the environment
and health.
- Ahold s employees must understand and support the Company's economic and
social role and gain job satisfaction, by meeting the challenges offered.
- Ahold needs to sustain a high return on capital employed to assure itself adequate
financial resources. In order to realize profit growth, every activity must be continuously
evaluated to determine whether it is achieving its targets. In addition, it is necessary to
anticipate market trends and adapt existing activities to them, as well as to embark upon
new activities, strengthening the relationship with the customers.
Corporate policy aims at fostering the conditions which enable these objectives to be
attained, and is based upon the following principles:
- Fairness and a careful balancing of interests must characterize all dealings with
consumers, employees, investors, suppliers, clients, government bodies and others with
whom the Company works.
- Particular attention must be paid to ensure that the goods and services we provide to
tionC°nSUmer 3 ^Uality an^ sa'e' anc* are backed up with adequate informa-
- Ahold s relationship with suppliers should be mutually satisfactory.
- Wherever consistent with sound business practices, the Company should seek to
explain its position and strategies to those with whom it deals.
Corporate Executive Board
4
*Revised in 1989
