Ahold has reported that a search was carried out at its corporate headquarters last week by the Public Prosecutor in Amsterdam.

The prosecutor said investigation related to the consolidation of a number of Ahold's global joint ventures.

Ahold has been under investigation by the Dutch and US authorities since accounting irregularities emerged at its US Foodservice business earlier.

In a statement Ahold said it deemed it inappropriate to give any further information concerning these investigations “while their outcomes are pending”.