Ahold: trouble in the US ongoing

Ahold's strong Q4 trading in the Netherlands could not offset the losses incurred in the US, where long running underperformance continued, even though US like-for-like sales declines were clearly exacerbated by a weak dollar. This could prompt activist shareholders Centaurus and Paulson & Co to step up their pressure on the retailer to break up its operations.

Published By Datamonitor

Ahold/Delhaize: a merger of convenience

Dutch retailer Ahold and smaller rival Delhaize are in talks, with a merger between the two seen by many as the most plausible outcome. Ahold's and Delhaize's business operations may well be split along geographical lines, with Ahold running a future European division while Delhaize could affect the turnaround of Ahold's underperforming US arm.

Published By Datamonitor

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.

Published By Datamonitor

Ahold: breaking up is hard to do

Against a backdrop of stagnating sales, troubled retailer Ahold has come under pressure from two hedge funds, Centaurus and Paulson. Holding a 6.4% stake in the company, the two shareholders claim that the current share price of E7.33 could rise to E9, if the group were broken up into its separate units - a prospect that now appears increasingly real.

Published By Datamonitor

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.

Published By Datamonitor

Ahold touted as rumored Tesco target

Tesco shares fell three pence to 315p yesterday amid market rumours that the company may make a significant acquisition in Europe. Brokers are reported by The Times to have been unconvinced by suggestions that the retailer will join with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts to bid for Ahold, with others suggesting Carrefour as a more credible target.

Published By Datamonitor

Commercial fuel retail: fuel cards lead the way in Europe

Published By Datamonitor

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 />

Published By Datamonitor

Ahold: the last days of Disco

Scandal-ridden Ahold can't afford any more nasty surprises, so it's focusing on mature markets. For a healthier firm, however, Ahold's South American businesses are a strong opportunity. Emerging markets specialist Tesco understandably decided in March not to buy out the struggling Dutch company - but its Brazilian unit could be another story.

Published By Datamonitor

Forecourt mPayments: the Dutch lead the way

Published By Datamonitor