Sligro Food Group expects net profit to increase by 25% in first half 2003
Despite the challenging conditions in the Dutch restaurant market, Sligro Food Group expects to realise organic turnover growth of approximately 3% in the first half of 2003. Thanks in part to the acquisitions made in 2002, total turnover is forecast to increase by approximately 8% to about € 650 million. Through margin management, the profit contribution from the 2002 acquisition, EM-TÉ Supermarkten, and the absence of non-recurring income and expenses, Sligro Food Group expects the net profit after tax and goodwill amortisation to increase by about 25% to more than € 16 million. In the first half of 2002, turnover was € 602 million and net profit € 13 million. The 2003 half-year figures will be announced on 17 July 2003, when a forecast will also be made for the second half of 2003.

The food service and food retail companies that make up Sligro Food Group directly or indirectly serve the end consumer in all sectors of the Dutch food and beverage market. Sligro Food Group seeks constant and controlled growth as a high quality business in all its activities and for all its stakeholders.

In 2002, Sligro Food Group realised turnover of € 1,299 million and a net profit of € 37 million. The average number of employees (full-time equivalents) was 2,561.

Veghel, 17 April 2003
The Executive Board Sligro Food Group N.V.
A.J.L. Slippens
H.L. van Rozendaal
Tel. +31 413 34 35 00