Ahold to sell US Foodservice, reduce costs by 500 mln eur by end-2009 UPDATE.

(From AFX Europe (Focus))

(Adds press conference comments, Delhaize merger rumour denial details)

AMSTERDAM (AFX) - Royal Ahold NV said it will sell its US Foodservice, part of many plans and financial targets resulting from its Strategic Review, which began in May.

Ahold also plans to sell its Tops supermarket chain, its retail operations in Poland and Slovakia, as well as its 49 pct stake in Jeronimo Martins Retail.

The Dutch food retail giant said it will also reduce operating costs by 500 mln eur by the end of 2009, return about 2 bln eur to shareholders and reduce debt by around 2 bln eur, following the announced divestments. Ahold …