BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — Food Lion’s parent company has confirmed it is in discussions with another European-based supermarket group regarding a possible merger.

Belgium-based Delhaize Group confirmed Tuesday that it has entered into preliminary discussions with Royal Ahold N.V., to explore the idea of combining the two companies.

Ahold is based in the Netherlands and owns American supermarkets Giant and Stop & Shop. The Giant Food Stores are located in mid-Atlantic states such as Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Stop & Shop stores are located in the Northeast.

Delhaize America, based in Salisbury, operates 1,100 Food Lion stores. It also operates Hannaford supermarkets throughout New England.

Reports said if the merger happens, the combined company would be among the world’s top 20 largest retailers.

Both companies released short, similar statements Tuesday confirming they have entered into preliminary discussions. Wednesday, a spokeswoman for Delhaize America said the company could not share any more information at this time.