French E. Leclerc and German Rewe group have joined in an European purchase alliance called Eurelec Trading. This new entity will negotiate with the international food industry and look for operational synergy.
Looking for synergy
Mid-June, CVBA Eurelec was founded in Brussels, according to Lebensmittel Zeitung, after both retailers had previously announced their collaboration. Jean-Marie Malbranke, previously Rewe Group’s purchase director, will lead Eurelec, while both retailers will have an equal amount of directors in the board of directors.
Leclerc and Rewe used to work together in the Coopernic purchase alliance (alongside other retailers like Colruyt), but it disintegrated. Soon after, Leclerc approached Delhaize and Coop Italia, but the impending Delhaize – Ahold merger will probably be the end of that alliance as well.
