The Dutch food distribution group AHOLD has confirmed the acquisition of American ALLIANT FOODSERVICE for the sum of $2.2 billion, and taking on the debt of $750 million (see yesterday's EI). Immediately after this, it announced it would be taking over the BRUNO'S chain of supermarkets (turnover $1.65 billion in 2000) with a chain of 184 stores), for the sum of $500 million. In the United States, AHOLD food sales accounted for $5.4 billion and its food services activities amounted to $2.76...