CONSOLIDATION KEY TO AHOLD USA'S INCREASED SALES

ZAANDAM, The Netherlands -- Ahold here said last week the sales of its American subsidiary, Ahold USA, Atlanta, rose 32.7% to $4.6 billion in the 12-week third quarter ended Oct. 3.

Pa., and Stop & Shop, Quincy, Mass. -- also contributed to this sales growth, the company added.

Ahold also said operating results in the U.S. rose 57% to $288.9 million. Ahold said all of its U.S. operating companies turned in improved results, reflecting successful marketing campaigns, synergy benefits and strict cost control. The company added Giant Landover made particularly strong contributions to its improved operating results.

In the first 40 weeks of fiscal 1999, U.S. sales rose 34.9% to $15.4 billion, and operating results grew 49.2% to $734.5 million.

Corporate-wide, Ahold said net sales rose 36.7% to $8 billion and net earnings increased 43.4% to $171.3 million for the third quarter, and net sales rose 32.3% to $25.7 billion and net income increased 38.2% to $528.5 million for the first 40 weeks of fiscal 1999.

The company also said it expects to see earnings per share for the full year to grow by 20%.