SPAR International, Max Hypermarket part ways in India

NEW DELHI: Dutch food retailer SPAR International, which operates hypermarkets in India with Dubai-based Landmark Group, today said the two have decided to part ways.

In a joint statement, SPAR International and Landmark Group's Max Hypermarket India Pvt Ltd have said the two companies will pursue "separate retail growth plans in India".

"In order to take their respective businesses forward in India, SPAR wishes to extend its footprint nationwide through new partnership arrangements with a range of national and regional retailers," the statement said.

The current Licence Agreement between the two will therefore not be renewed after December 31, 2012, it added.

Separately, Max Hypermarkets is in discussions with potential partners to expand their business in India, it said.

"SPAR and Max Hypermarkets have enjoyed a very successful business relationship which has seen the launch of 13 SPAR branded modern hypermarkets across five states in India," it said.

All of the stores are trading very well and their success is confirmation that the SPAR retail offering has been very well received by consumers, it added.

While SPAR has 12,000 stores in 35 countries, Max Hypermarket India operates 13 hypermarkets across India.