GENERAL MERCHANDISE NEWS
Ahold close to sale of Disco operation
18 November, 2003 | by Retail Bulletin
Talks with Cencosud to sell Argentine operation
November 18 2003
Supermarket giant Ahold is in negotiations with Chilean retailer Cencosud to sell its Argentinean supermarket chain.
The sale of the 237-strong Disco chain is part of Ahold’s strategy to exit South America, with Wal-Mart known to be interested in acquiring Ahold’s businesses in Brazil and elsewhere.
Cencosud is still undertaking due diligence on Disco, with the deal expected to be agreed before the end of the year and local regulatory approval by mid-2004.
Cencosud operates DIY stores and hypermarkets in Chile and Argentina, and acquired Ahold’s stake in the Chilean supermarket chain Santa Isabel in July.
