The principal risk factors that may impede the achievement of Ahold’s objectives with respect to strategy, operations and compliance are described hereafter in the Annual Report. The enterprise risk management system, the governance and control standards incorporated into Ahold’s ABC Framework and the monitoring systems described above are the principal means used by Ahold to manage these risks. Management is not aware of any important failings in these systems per year-end 2009.
The following discussion of risks relating to Ahold should be read carefully when evaluating its business, its prospects and the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on Ahold’s financial position, results of operations and liquidity or could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report.
Ahold recognizes different strategic, operational, financial and legal compliance risk categories. The risks described below are not the only risks Ahold faces. There may be additional risks that the Company is currently unaware of or risks that Ahold’s management believes are immaterial or otherwise common to most companies, 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 Cautionary notice included in this Annual Report.