BRAZIL – French retail giant, Carrefour has agreed to purchase Brazil’s third biggest food retailer Grupo Big from Walmart and investment firm Advent International in an effort to strengthen its presence in the South American country.
The deal which is reported to value the company at 7 billion reais (about US$1.25 billion) will expand the Carrefour’s footprint in regions where it has limited penetration such as the northeast and south of the country.
By combining the groups, the retailer claims it will be able to offer a broader range of products and services at more competitive prices.
The retailer further notes that the acquisition would provide a net additional contribution to EBITDA of 1.7 billion reais (about US$300 million) on an annual basis, three years after the transaction closes.
Present in Brazil since 1995, Grupo Big – formerly Walmart Brazil – operates a multi-format network of 387 stores and generated gross sales of 24.9 billion reais (US$4.43 billion) in 2020.
Carrefour , on the other hand, has been present in Brazil since 1975 and operates 489 stores under the Carrefour banner, Carrefour Bairro and Market banners, as well as the Atacadão banner.
Combined, the two groups have gross sales of around 100 billion reais (US$17.79 billion), operate 876 stores and have around 137,000 employees.
Combined, the two groups have gross sales of around 100 billion reais (US$17.79 billion), operate 876 stores and have around 137,000 employees.
Carrefour Brazil’s ownership of Grupo Big will also enable it to grow its footprint in formats of limited presence, such as supermarkets (Bompreço and Nacional banners) and proximity stores (Todo Dia banner).
Following the acquisition, Carrefour Brazil will operate in a new market segment with the Sam’s Club format through a licence agreement with Walmart.
“Our Group is on the offensive: The acquisition of the Big Group is a major transformation movement for Carrefour Brazil,” said Alexandre Bompard, chairman and CEO of Carrefour Group.
Including this transaction, Carrefour Brazil will have invested over US$15 billion reais (about US$2.67 billion) in the region since 2019.
Bompard says its recent the transaction fits perfectly into the Carrefour Brazil ecosystem and into the Group’s acquisition strategy, centred on the consolidation of our key markets.
Upon completion of the deal, Carrefour Group will own around 67.7% of Carrefour Brazil (compared to its 71.6% stake today), while Península Participações will own 7.2%.
Grupo Big’s former owners; Advent International and Walmart will have a 5.6% stake at Carrefour Brazil once the deal is completed..
The transaction – which remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing condition – is expected be completed in 2022.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
