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Business News of Wednesday, 2 June 2021

Source: www.today.ng

Ketron Investment completes takeover of Shoprite stores in Nigeria

Shoprite logo Shoprite logo

A Nigerian firm, Ketron Investment Limited, has completed the acquisition of Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (RSNL), owner and operator of the Shoprite stores in Nigeria.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ketron, owned by a group of investors led by Persianas Investment Limited, said the change in ownership has also received the approval of Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Shoprite Holdings is Africa’s largest food retailer, operating 2,843 supermarkets in 15 countries and serving 35 million customers in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands; its supply chain includes over 300 local suppliers comprising small businesses and farmers have announced its intention to sell off its investment in Nigeria last year

“We are thrilled to complete the acquisition of Shoprite, ensuring the continued operations of one of the biggest retail success stories in Nigeria,” Tayo Amusan, Chairman of Ketron, said, “We look forward to building an even stronger company following our acquisition and are excited about the greater impact we will achieve to the benefit of our customers and other stakeholders now and well into the future,” he said.

Persianas owns the major buildings that house Shoprite outlets in Lagos, Ilorin, among others.

Since its launch in Lagos in December 2005, Shoprite has expanded to 25 outlets across 11 states and Abuja, FCT.

Ketron acquired 100% ownership of Shoprite in Nigeria and will continue operations across all existing outlets, with plans to open additional stores and introduce more Nigerian-made products, the statement said.

“It is our vision to create fundamental change for the better within Nigeria,” said Amusan.

Professional services firms, KPMG Advisory Services, MBO Capital Management Limited and Banwo & Ighodalo advised Ketron on the deal.

Jide Ogundare, CEO, MBO Capital, in his comment, said: “With the plans, we have in place, and with the support of the larger Shoprite family in Nigeria including our staff and every Nigerian shopper that walks through our doors, we are confident of success.”