Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on Ahold's financial position, results of operations, liquidity or could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. The risks described below are not the only ones the Company is facing. There may be additional risks that the Company is currently unaware of, that may be common to most companies or that Ahold's management now believes are immaterial, but which may in the future have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, liquidity and the actual outcome of matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, see the "Forward-looking statements notice" included in this Annual Report.