TPG: exploding into expansion through TNT

The mail and parcels giant admitted earlier this year that it would have trouble meeting growth targets without further expansion in non-core activities. The Bleckmann takeover, which significantly improves TNT's position in retail logistics, looks like a good piece of corrective action.

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Topps Tiles: still going strong

UK tile specialist Topps has reported robust annual results. Despite tough market conditions, Topps Tiles has reported impressive annual results, with operating profit rising by 14.1% to GBP38.9 million and total group revenue ahead by 15.4% to GBP207.9 million. The results mark the tenth anniversary of the company's flotation on the London Stock Exchange.

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Topps Tiles: retreat to reinforce?

Topps Tiles has announced that for the 26 weeks to March 28, 2009, total sales declined by 13.0%, with like-for-like sales falling by 18.5%. These results reflect a significant deterioration in trading conditions in both the retailer's British and Dutch operations, with particular question marks surrounding the long-term financial viability of the latter.

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Texaco/UPS: drop zones enable eCommerce

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Pharmacy liberalization on hold: a sign of things to come?

While the EU's decision to halt the process of pharmacy liberalization is clearly based on the merit of one specific case (namely Doc Morris, the leading European online pharmacy), it could herald a sea change in terms of EU decision making. The move away from excessive deregulation towards a slower and more considered approach will bring both costs and benefits for EU consumers and patients.

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Petroplus: Tango up for grabs

Petroplus' sale of unmanned operator Tango is expected to generate significant interest amongst Benelux fuel retailers. With the unmanned sector expected to grow rapidly in the region, and throughputs at Tango sites twice the national average, the operation is likely to be attractive to a number of oil majors.<BR /><BR /><BR />

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Lukoil: brand new to western forecourts

Lukoil is keen to continue its charge across the European forecourt retailing sector as displayed by its interest in the soon-to-be-auctioned portfolio of ChevronTexaco forecourt retailing sites in the Benelux countries. With upstream infrastructure already in place, the capture of such a valuable retail network will ensure Lukoil achieves its goal of establishing its brand as a major player.

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Letsbuyit/KarstadtQuelle: let's bricks-and-clicks it

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Laurus: survival strategy

Eight months since Dutch supermarket group Laurus announced a radical change in strategy to turn around years of dismal performance, it has made only limited headway in the face of severe competition. The recent resignation of CEO Harry Bruijiniks could well be a reflection of the inability of the strategy to work.

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Kesa: sales improvements driven by Darty

Electricals retailer Kesa has seen solid revenue growth in H1, with an uplift in both retail profits and margins. While Darty remains the strongest performer of the group, its Comet brand continues to flounder. Consequently, Kesa has accelerated the rollout of the Darty concept across its European stores, and is investing the bulk of its capital expenditure in further boosting the brand.

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