Spar Group plans to sell Swiss and UK retail businesses
Spar Group plans to sell its retail businesses in Switzerland and in the United Kingdom after completing a strategic review of its European operations, the retail and wholesale group said.
The group, which owns several Spar country licences of the Dutch Spar group, has been trimming its international operations in order to "maximise the return on capital allocated".
Last year it sold its loss-making Polish business.
The group said it was in exclusive talks with an established UK-based business over the sale of its UK operation Appleby Westward Group. The potential buyer, which Spar did not name, was "well positioned to develop and grow AWG in South West England," it said.
In Switzerland, Spar has been engaging established parties with extensive business interests in the region and experience in European food retail and distribution, it added.
"The group approach has been to engage parties whose interests align with the growth ambitions of the local management teams and retailer partners, and will ensure continuity for employees, suppliers and customers," Spar said.
The Swiss business, with 300 stores, contributes R16bn to group turnover, while the South West England unit contributes R6bn.
Internationally, Spar will be left with Ireland, its biggest overseas business, and a joint venture in Sri Lanka.
All rights reserved. © 2022. Bizcommunity.com Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economy ME
16 hours ago
- Economy ME
How Eid al-Adha 2025 shapes supply chain management practices
Eid al-Adha, the 'Festival of Sacrifice,' is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar. Many countries, especially those with big populations of Muslims, greatly feel the influence of its culture, religion and economy. For people in supply chain management, Eid al-Adha means extra demand, challenges with organizing logistics and additional pressures on industries including livestock, retail and food. Understanding Eid al-Adha and its economic significance The Eid al-Adha holiday remembers when Prophet Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his son to obey the command of God. The most important activity during the festival is the sacrifice of sheep, goats, cows or camels and the meat is given to members of the family, friends and those in need. As a result of this celebration, people need much more livestock, meat products, retail items and logistics support. Economic impact highlights: In countries like Bangladesh, 50–60 percent of annual hide supply comes from Eid al-Adha, fueling both domestic and export-oriented leather industries. There are billions of dollars earned in the livestock industry around Eid al-Adha, with many millions being bought and sold as sacrificial animals. The sales of meat, spices and festive items have hit a peak in retailers and there is a large increase in business at restaurants and hotels. The event hires many people on a temporary basis for livestock, logistics, retail and hospitality roles. Key supply chain challenges during Eid al-Adha Demand surges and inventory management The festival brings about a fast and big increase in how much people buy livestock, meat products and similar goods. Such a rise in demand can overload the system which can lead to stock shortages and late delivery of shipments. Logistical bottlenecks Since many perishable goods, notably meat, have to be shipped and stored quickly, obstacles at ports, warehouses and distribution centers are usual. It can cause delays at every phase, from the farmer to the person buying the product. Supplier constraints Handling a big increase in demand can be a challenge for some suppliers who have not foreseen or prepared for the festival period. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are especially reliant on this. Labor shortages Because Eid al-Adha is often celebrated on a public holiday, there are not enough workers in manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. Because of this, it can cause more issues with service timings and standards. Regulatory and compliance pressures In 2025, people are paying closer attention to how companies in supply chains handle sustainability and ethical sourcing. When companies have operations in several regions, making sure their supply chain is compliant with local laws can make things more complex in festivals. Sector-specific impacts: Livestock, retail, and food supply chains Livestock and agriculture Livestock trade: Sacrificing an animal is a major part of Eid al-Adha. A huge number of livestock are moved, purchased and processed during the festive season because of the festival. Leather industry: Raw leather material for shoes and bags is often because of the rise in animal sacrifices. Most of the leather processed in Bangladesh during the year comes from hides purchased during Eid al-Adha. Agricultural inputs: Feed, veterinary services, and transportation see heightened demand as livestock volumes increase. Retail and consumer goods Retail boom: At Eid al-Adha, people usually give gifts, buy new outfits and decorate their homes. Promotions in stores and online lead to a large increase in sales for the year. E-commerce: Sales increase for online stores leading to an increase in orders that need logistics and delivery solutions to handle. Temporary labor: Additional employees are required in retail, warehousing and delivery which leads to temporary jobs. Food and beverage Meat supply chains: Sales of meat, spices and festive ingredients have gone up at grocery stores and food suppliers. Restaurants and catering: Increased patronage at restaurants and catering services, as families celebrate together. Cold chain logistics: Ensuring the freshness and safety of meat products requires efficient cold chain management, from slaughterhouses to retail outlets. Technology and innovation in Eid al-Adha supply chains Advanced forecasting and predictive analytics To manage the volatility and unpredictability of festival demand, companies are investing in advanced forecasting tools and predictive analytics. These technologies help model risk scenarios, anticipate disruptions, and adjust operations in real-time. AI-driven simulations and digital twins AI-powered simulations and digital twins are increasingly used to anticipate bottlenecks, model trade disruptions, and optimize logistics. These tools enable supply chain leaders to adapt quickly to changing conditions, such as sudden demand surges or geopolitical shifts. E-commerce logistics platforms Specialized logistics services for SMEs and e-commerce platforms are crucial during Eid al-Adha. These solutions help businesses manage increased order volumes, streamline shipping, and enhance customer satisfaction. Mobile and cloud-based solutions Mobile apps and cloud-based platforms facilitate real-time tracking, inventory management, and communication across the supply chain, improving visibility and responsiveness. Sustainability and ethical sourcing: Rising priorities Regulatory compliance In 2025, companies face heightened regulatory expectations around sustainability and ethical sourcing. Regulations such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) require transparency across supply networks, particularly in high-risk industries like textiles and apparel. Environmental impact Climate change and environmental concerns are reshaping supply chain strategies. Companies are increasingly tracking Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions across the value chain) and developing reporting mechanisms to support climate-related disclosure frameworks. Animal welfare and Halal certification With growing consumer awareness, there is increased scrutiny of animal welfare practices and halal certification in livestock supply chains. Companies must ensure compliance with religious and ethical standards to maintain trust and market access. Read more: Eid al-Adha 2025: UAE leads global innovation with AI-powered moon sighting Resilience strategies for supply chain leaders Scenario planning and risk modeling Adopt scenario planning and risk modeling to anticipate potential disruptions—such as labor shortages, logistical bottlenecks, or regulatory changes—and develop contingency plans. Supplier diversification Reduce dependency on single suppliers by diversifying sourcing strategies. This can help mitigate risks associated with supply constraints or geopolitical tensions. Collaboration and communication Promote closer collaboration with suppliers, logistics partners, and customers. Transparent communication helps align expectations and enables faster responses to emerging challenges. Investment in tech Leverage AI, predictive analytics, and digital platforms to enhance forecasting, inventory management, and real-time decision-making. Workforce flexibility Develop flexible staffing solutions, such as temporary labor pools or cross-trained employees, to address labor shortages during peak periods. Sustainability integration Integrate sustainability and ethical sourcing into supply chain strategies. This includes tracking emissions, ensuring humane animal treatment, and complying with evolving regulatory requirements. Case Studies: Eid al-Adha 2025 GCC Region: Retail and food supply chains In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stores stock up and get prepared for Eid al-Adha many weeks ahead. Steps to ensure timely delivery are purchasing early, dealing with prices as they update and teaming up with delivery partners. E-commerce companies use demand forecasting from AI to ensure their inventory is well-optimized and there are no stockouts. India: Managing festive season disruptions Leading supply chain managers in India use advanced techniques and adjust their labor plans to deal with the certain challenges of the festival, including Eid. Firms turn to predictive methods and keep suppliers informed to resolve sudden rises in demand and supply chain issues. Bangladesh: Livestock and leather supply chain In Bangladesh, Eid al-Adha accounts for the majority of the country's annual hide supply. The festival triggers a coordinated effort across the livestock, transportation, and leather processing sectors. Despite the logistical challenges, the sector has adopted digital platforms for livestock trading and inventory tracking, improving transparency and efficiency. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) How does Eid al-Adha affect supply chains? Eid al-Adha causes a sharp increase in demand for livestock, meat, retail goods, and logistics services. This surge can overwhelm supply chains, leading to stockouts, logistical delays, and labor shortages. What industries are most impacted by Eid al-Adha? The livestock, leather, retail, food, and logistics industries experience the most significant impact. The festival drives massive sales in livestock and meat, boosts retail and hospitality sectors, and supplies raw materials for the leather industry. What are the main supply chain challenges during Eid al-Adha? Key challenges include demand surges, logistical bottlenecks, supplier constraints, labor shortages, and increased regulatory compliance pressures. How can companies prepare their supply chains for Eid al-Adha? Companies should invest in advanced forecasting, diversify suppliers, collaborate closely with partners, leverage technology, and develop flexible workforce strategies. Early planning and scenario modeling are essential for resilience. What role does technology play in managing Eid al-Adha supply chains? Technology—such as AI-driven forecasting, digital twins, and e-commerce logistics platforms—enables real-time decision-making, improves visibility, and helps companies adapt quickly to changing demand and disruptions. Are there sustainability concerns in Eid al-Adha supply chains? Yes. Companies face increasing pressure to ensure ethical sourcing, humane animal treatment, and environmental sustainability. Regulatory compliance and consumer expectations are driving greater transparency and sustainability integration. How does Eid al-Adha contribute to economic growth? The festival fuels economic growth by boosting sales in retail, food, and livestock sectors, creating temporary jobs, and supporting industries like leather and logistics. Final word Eid al-Adha makes a big and varied impact on supply chain management. Because the festival is a major economic event, it leads to new opportunities as well as difficulties that affect supply chain networks around the world. In 2025, the use of sophisticated technologies, increased government checks and altered consumer wishes are altering the tactics companies employ for Eid al-Adha. Innovation, teamwork and sustainability among supply chain leaders are ways to use the challenges of Eid al-Adha to improve competitiveness, meet customers' needs and grow for the future.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Diginex Signs MOU to Acquire Resulticks for US$2bn, transforming AI and Data Management Capabilities
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 June 2025 - Diginex Limited ("Diginex" or the "Company")(Nasdaq: DGNX), a leading provider of Sustainability RegTech solutions, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") for a cash and share acquisition of Resulticks, a globally recognized leader in real-time, AI-driven customer engagement and data management solutions. This strategic move will significantly enhance Diginex's capabilities in advanced data management and artificial intelligence, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in data-driven client solutions. The MOU values Resulticks at $2 billion which will be paid for in three tranches: $1.4 billion in Diginex ordinary shares valued at $72 per share and subject to a 12-18 month lock-up, which shares will be issued at closing of the transaction; $100 million in cash that is payable within 90 business days of the closing of the transaction; and an earnout of up to $500 million payable in Diginex ordinary shares valued at $72 per share and paid in 3 independent tranches subject to Resulticks attaining at least 75% of the below audited EBITDA threshold figures: Earnout Amount Accounting Period EBITDA Threshold* a. $166,666,666 FY2026 $100,000,000 b. $166,666,667 FY2027 $200,000,000 c. $166,666,667 FY2028 $325,000,000 * Resulticks shall receive a pro rated portion of the Earnout Amount provided Resulticks achieves between 75% and 100% of the EBITDA Threshold. Resulticks, headquartered in Singapore with operations across the United States, India, Singapore, and the Middle East, is renowned for its omnichannel client engagement automation platform. The platform leverages AI and big data analytics to deliver personalized customer experiences, enabling businesses to orchestrate seamless engagement across digital and physical touchpoints. By integrating Resulticks' cutting-edge technology, Diginex will enhance its ability to provide comprehensive data-driven sustainability solutions, thereby empowering organizations to meet evolving regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations with greater precision and efficiency. The Resulticks platform is expected to enable Diginex to deliver hyper-personalized insights to stakeholders in real time, while also expanding into new verticals where advanced data orchestration and enrichment can unlock value across compliance, supply chain intelligence, and risk analytics solutions. As the application layer of tech becomes increasingly commoditized, data and AI are emerging as the true engines of differentiation, those who own, enrich, and activate data at speed will define the next generation of market leaders. This is where Diginex wishes to position itself with Resulticks and future acquisitions. "We are thrilled to announce this business combination with Resulticks, a company that shares our values and commitment to harnessing advanced technology for transformative impact," said Miles Pelham, Chairman & Founder of Diginex. "This acquisition will strengthen our balance sheet and profitability, as well as significantly deepening our expertise in AI and data management, enabling us to deliver unparalleled insights and solutions to our clients. By combining Resulticks' real-time data capabilities with our blockchain and machine learning-driven sustainability platforms, we are poised to redefine how organizations navigate sustainability and compliance challenges." "This partnership represents a fusion of two purpose-driven platforms," said Redickaa Subrammanian, Co-Founder and CEO of Resulticks. "Through Genie, our agentic framework, we're helping Diginex unlock real-time ESG intelligence and optimize engagement at every stage of the customer lifecycle. At the same time, we're bringing their sustainability solutions to our global customer base. Together, we're unlocking activation, attribution, and ROI visibility — helping brands operate smarter and sustain long-term growth in a data-driven world." "AI doesn't just optimize ESG. It transforms it into a customer engagement engine," said Daxsan RB, Co-Founder and CIO of Resulticks. "ESG is no longer just about compliance; it's a competitive lever to deepen customer relationships. By turning ESG data into actionable insights, brands can deliver hyper-personalized engagement — like carbon footprint transparency for eco-conscious buyers — while real-time analytics build trust through verifiable sustainability claims. Leaders who integrate these tools first will define the next era of brand loyalty. This isn't just reporting, it's revenue." This acquisition builds on Diginex's recent momentum into AI and data management, including its memorandum of understanding to acquire Matter DK ApS, previously announced on May 27, 2025, which we expect will expanded Diginex's sustainability data and analytics offerings for the investment industry. It is believed that together, these strategic moves position Diginex as a global leader in delivering innovative, data-driven solutions for client and sustainability engagement. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "approximates," "believes," "hopes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "plans," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results disclosed in the Company's filings with the SEC. Disclaimer This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor does it constitute a binding commitment to complete the contemplated transaction. The completion of the transaction is subject to the execution of definitive agreements, satisfactory due diligence, and other customary closing conditions. Hashtag: #Diginex The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Diginex Diginex Limited (Nasdaq: DGNX; ISIN KYG286871044), headquartered in London, is a sustainable RegTech business that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. The Company utilizes blockchain, AI, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate regulatory reporting and sustainable finance. Diginex's products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software. The award-winning diginexESG platform supports 17 global frameworks, including GRI (the "Global Reporting Initiative"), SASB (the "Sustainability Accounting Standards Board"), and TCFD (the "Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures"). Clients benefit from end-to-end support, ranging from materiality assessments and data management to stakeholder engagement, report generation and an ESG Ratings Support Service. For more information, please visit the Company's website: About Resulticks Resulticks is a leading provider of AI-powered, omnichannel customer engagement and data management solutions. Its platform enables businesses to deliver personalized experiences through real-time data analytics and automation, serving clients across industries in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Resulticks is headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in Seattle, New York City India, and Dubai. For more information, please visit the Resulticks website: Diginex Limited
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
South Africa: Commerce media is the next big frontier in retail
Commerce media is emerging as the next big frontier in retail – and it's growing fast. Globally, the space is projected to reach $130bn by 2026, and could top $1bn by 2030, as giants like Amazon and Walmart continue to turn retail media into high-performing revenue engines. But where does South Africa sit in this fast-growing ecosystem? And how are local brands and retailers positioning themselves for a share of the pie? These questions shaped a fascinating panel discussion at the recent Converge Africa. The event brings together leaders in e-commerce, payments, fintech, digital marketing, and fulfillment to explore new growth opportunities. The panel featured insights from marketing, commerce media and data leaders at Woolworths, Coty, TrafficBrand, and eComplete, who unpacked what retail and commerce media looks like in the South African context – and why now is the moment to act. 'Commerce media is the broader play on traditional retail media,' said Daniel Levy, the co-founder and co-CEO of Flow, who led the discussion. 'It's not just about on-site banners or shelf space anymore – it's about monetising your audience across every digital touchpoint, on and off your own platforms.' Here are a few takeaways... 1. South Africa's model is different – and that's an advantage While South Africa may be behind markets like the US and UK in terms of infrastructure and scale, it has something those markets often lack: strong collaborative relationships between brands and retailers. This dynamic has created a more agile, flexible environment for commerce media experimentation. Even without automated tools and structured networks, the ability to co-create customised campaigns and rapidly iterate on them, is a unique strength of the local market. Panellist Ashleigh Boggon, head of Digital Commerce Africa at Coty Africa, also emphasised the value of an omnichannel approach, explaining how beauty brands, for example, can meet customers where they're already shopping – especially on fast-growing platforms like TikTok, where local beauty content is thriving. 2. You don't need a full media network to start One of the most actionable takeaways from the session? Social media platforms, owned content, and even e-mail databases are all powerful starting points when paired with the right strategic thinking. So, retailers and other commerce-style businesses can start with what they already have – by activating their own first-party data. 3. It's not the size of your data that counts - it's what you do with it Tiaan van Zyl, director of Analytics at TrafficBrand, pointed out that businesses often delay launching commerce media strategies because they're waiting for a 'perfect' CRM system or a fully enriched customer data platform. But in reality, many are already sitting on enough actionable insight to begin. Whether through basic performance metrics, anonymised behaviour data, or segment-level interest profiles, retailers can start with a minimum viable dataset, run small experiments, and refine from there. The key is to tie data use directly to measurable business goals – and let performance feedback drive the next step. 4. Strategic timing matters – and some are already ahead For Zach Nossel, head of Digital Marketing at Woolworths, commerce media didn't just make strategic sense – it was the natural next step in a longer journey of digital investment. Woolworths had already laid a strong foundation in customer data and analytics. What commerce media offered was a chance to unlock value from that data, particularly in high-growth categories like beauty, where customer engagement is rising and brands are hungry for new ways to connect with audiences. Flow's partnership with Woolworths enabled external brands to reach high-intent customers within a premium environment, without compromising Woolworths' brand integrity. In essence, the company had reached a sweet spot – the right tech, the right demand, and the right data to make commerce media work at scale. 5. Trust, transparency and tangible results Across the board, one insight stood out: commerce media is not just a media play – it's a relationship play. Success relies on alignment between partners, transparency in performance data, and shared business goals. Ray Williams, head of Digital Marketing at eComplete, highlighted how performance visibility and feedback loops are critical for building long-term trust with brands. Even where media operations are still developing, offering clarity on what's working – and where optimisations are needed – strengthens buy-in and accelerates growth. Retailers that can clearly demonstrate value, show campaign results, and adapt in real time will be the ones that win repeat investment from brands. The final takeaway? Commerce media in South Africa isn't just coming – it's already here. The infrastructure might look different from global giants, but the fundamentals are in place: consumer data, brand appetite, and digital platforms with scalable potential. Retailers don't need massive media networks or complex data ecosystems to get started. They need strategic intent, a willingness to test and learn, and partners who can help them unlock the full value of their audience. As Levy concluded: 'We're moving from 'media as spend' to 'media as revenue'. Commerce media is the business model shift that turns digital attention into growth – for both brands and retailers.'
