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.

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Brantano: in need of a distinctive proposition

It has been a difficult year for footwear specialist Brantano, with sales falling in both its UK and Belgian divisions. The value footwear proposition is no longer sufficiently unique to sustain growth in customer numbers and the retailer's repositioning efforts are vital for its long-term future.

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Carpetright: progress on all fronts

For the 52 weeks to 28 April, 2007, Carpetright's sales rose by 5.4%, while profits increased by 5.1%. The retailer continues to grow sales in a declining domestic market, while its fledgling European operations represent a good opportunity for future growth.

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Carpetright: reluctant to leave familiar ground

Floor coverings specialist Carpetright has acquired UK retailer Carpetworld for GBP7.2 million, adding a further 13 stores to its portfolio. Additionally, in a slightly more exploratory move, the firm has completed the purchase of 11 stores in southern Holland from Dutch retailer Ben de Graaff Tapjit for E8.0 million.

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Delhaize: uncertain US outlook

With year-to-date sales of E14.3 billion, Belgian food retailer Delhaize has been boosted by a strong performance in the US. In addition, its emerging markets are showing double digit growth figures and only Belgium is proving tough due to heavy competition. Having said this, the future outlook for the company is worrying, as Delhaize could suffer as a result of economic jitters in the US.

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EU autos: and the price war is on...

The company is just the first of many supermarkets interested in selling new cars in their stores, as the EU prepares to liberalize car retailing laws. However, some reports suggest that manufacturers will still be allowed to restrict supermarkets' car supply. Either way, the changes have caused turmoil among manufacturers across Europe.

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Fuel retailing: European network sizes will decline

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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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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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Lukoil: downstream focus gathers pace

Leading Russian oil producer Lukoil has entered into talks with ConocoPhillips to acquire some 380 filling stations under the Jet brand. This move illustrates the fact that, while the US giant begins a huge divesture program to fund upstream investments, Lukoil is heading downstream with a vengeance.

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