Sales price revised downwards

Home Depot has reached agreement with the private equity consortium composed of Bain Capital Partners, The Carlyle Group and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice regarding the sale of its wholesale division HD Supply. The renegotiation took place as a result of the credit crisis. Home Depot says it will receive US $ 8.5 bn for HD Supply, thus US $ 1.8 bn less than originally agreed. In addition, Home Depot will acquire a 12.5 per cent equity interest in the company for US $ 325 mio and will guarantee a US $ 1 bn secured loan.