Zaandam, The Netherlands, May 3, 2004 - Ahold and the VEB today announced that they are in consultation regarding the annual accounts proceeding initiated by the VEB on January 6, 2004. In this context Ahold and the VEB have agreed - pending further consultation - that the proceedings will be put on hold and that the date on which Ahold is to file its statement of response, now scheduled for May 13, 2004, will be postponed.
