Carrefour raises 2.8 billion euros in 2012 with sale of assets

The French group Carrefour have rolled up their sleeves in 2012 to attempt to remove the company from the crisis that began a few years earlier. Change of managers, accelerating divestments, bets on new business and focus on profitable markets have helped the company to balance the accounts. Last year alone, the company was able to capture ¤ 2.8 billion with the sale of assets in Colombia, Malaysia and Indonesia. In addition, closed from January to September 101 stores, mainly in Europe.
At the same time, the company began to invest in Argentina, one of its fastest growing markets worldwide, with the acquisition of 129 units of convenience store chain EKI. Also opened until September 176 units, the majority (135) of convenience stores, which require less investments but also bring more modest results.
Retail consultants heard by BRASIL ECONOMICO are unanimous: the company is doing the homework, but is still far from reaching the level of comfort in business that had in the early 1990. However, some strategies already mark the path that the company must follow in the coming twelve months.
Licensing and franchises
The franchise business model is known in the company thanks to the success of the retail brand popular Day%, which two years ago won independence in business of Carrefour. But the company already has shown that this is a way to keep themselves in markets less attractive, without the cost of the operation. That's what happened in Greece, where Carrefour has become one of the brands operated by Marinopoulos Group, which holds the operating licence of businesses like Gap and Starbucks in the region. ?This kind of initiative is important so that the company ceases to operate in unprofitable markets and focus on what is really relevant?, says retail expert Silvio Laban, a professor at the Insper.
In Indonesia, the company sold in November its 60% share of the business to its local partner CT Corp., for ¤ 525 million. But don't let market. The CT Corp became brand exclusive franchisor in the region. And a queue of other markets may have the same fate as Turkey, Poland, Romania and Taiwan, where the company could raise more ¤ 1.5 billion by selling assets.
Real estate market
Carrefour announced at the beginning of last year to consolidate its real estate expertise in France, Spain and Italy within the Carrefour Properties, which has 900 buildings, including shopping areas for marketing. The trend is that business grow beyond these countries.
The business model is the same used by other retailers, such as the sugar loaf and the GPA Malls & Properties, arm of the group responsible for managing, buying, selling and leasing of real estate for retail.
?Is an industry trend?, said Laban, who says that the thread is a bit late compared to other markets, such as banks.
With intakes in Argentina, the Group gave a showcase of high-growth markets will continue getting your attention? Despite the doomsday chorus that still advertises the possible sale of the business in Brazil. ?The problem is that they keep on skating in Brazil?, says Adir Raj, Managing Director of consulting firm Praxis Education. Even advertising sales growth in the country, pulled by Atacadão, Brazilian unit has lost credibility in relation to the matrix, that literally left the national management without voice. They don't even have spokesman authorized to speak with the press in the country, reported the press office responsible for national operation. Until the closing of this Edition, the company has not manifested itself.