Carrefour Announces Acquisition of Grupo Big for R$ 7.5 Billion

In late March, Carrefour Brasil announced the R$7.5 billion acquisition of Grupo Big, the country's third largest food retailer, in a move which strengthens the French multinational's position in the sector. 

The deal aims to expand the Carrefour's presence in the Northeast and South regions of Brazil, both of which hold extensive growth potential for the company. Currently, Carrefour has 45 million clients in Brazil and the acquisition of Grupo Big could potentially add over 15 million new customers to its network. 

Additionally, Carrefour will also begins operations under the Sam’s Club brand via a licensing agreement with Walmart, the former owners of Grupo Big. Sam's Club membership-based business model already enjoys over 2 million members in Brazil as well as its own brand products. 

If approved by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), the new group will have a combined annual revenue which surpasses the R$100 billion mark, as well 876 stores and over 137,000 employees. 

“The deal will accelerate our growth in the next year. Grupo Big’s stores are very complementary to our existing business, especially in the Northeast and South of the country. We will be able to offer a larger quantity of products and services at even more competitive prices.”, stated Carrefour's Executive Director for Latin America, Nöel Prioux.