SBM set to acquire 33.33% stake in Africa Retail Market

Société des Boissons du Maroc (SBM) has announced the signing of a share subscription agreement with Africa Retail Market (ARM), the exclusive distributor in Morocco for the Hyper U, Super U, and U Express brands. ARM operates a network of eight stores, including five supermarkets and three hypermarkets across the country. As part of this operation, SBM has committed to subscribing to an amount of 50 million dirhams, which corresponds to 33.33% of Africa Retail Market's share capital during a reserved capital increase. The completion of this operation is subject to the fulfillment of several conditions, including, if necessary, prior approval from the Competition Council and the agreement of the board of directors of the U France cooperative. This operation continues the historical partnership between the two companies. It will enable SBM to re-enter the capital of ARM and strengthen their strategic cooperation to develop new synergies and support the growth of their respective activities. ARM is a major player in the retail sector in Morocco. Since 2018, the company has benefited from an exclusive operating agreement for the brands of the U France Group (Hyper U, Super U, U Express, and Utile). ARM is developing and operating a network of five supermarkets and three hypermarkets, with a dynamic expansion strategy aimed at enhancing its national presence. Recently, two Hyper U stores were opened, demonstrating the company's ambition and commitment to modernizing retail in Morocco.