IGD Presentation - The Co-operative Group & Somerfield: Implications of Consolidation

The Co-operative Group's acquisition of Somerfield will significantly change the structure of UK grocery retailing.  What does this mean for you and is your business ready?

Discover the business implications and get the answers you need with ‘The Co-operative Group & Somerfield: Implications of Consolidation’; an IGD presentation hosted by Food Northwest, featuring a comprehensive briefing and analyst Q&A session.

Location: The Heath Business & Technical Park, Runcorn WA7 4QX

Date: 30^th September 2008 Registration: 9.30am (Ends 12.30pm)

Cost: Food Northwest Members = £100 (+vat) / Non members = £200 (+vat)

Background

Over the last two years the Co-operative Group has enjoyed a renewed period of growth following the overhaul of its product ranges, and the roll-out of its new store format.  At Somerfield the focus has been on rationalising the store estate and developing its product offer in line with its goal of being the local grocery store of choice. Bringing these two groups together has implications for both retailers and suppliers.

While the acquisition creates a clear market leader in small format retailing, with almost 3,000 stores, generating turnover in excess of £7bn, the Group will inevitably use its increased scale to drive buying efficiencies.  At the same time there will be volume growth opportunities for a number of suppliers, although for others, the rationalisation of the supplier base and harmonisation of selling prices could impact profitability.

In what is already a challenging trading environment, as suppliers attempt to balance the conflicting demands of a more value driven shopper, increasing commodity prices and the growing importance of sustainability, it will be essential that you understand the shape and direction of this new organisation.

IGD's team of analysts has created a comprehensive briefing on the implications of this acquisition with the opportunity to question them directly on how the market is likely to develop in the future.  In addition, the analysts will also provide an update on current market conditions and the outlook for a number of retailers over the next 12 months.

Key Features of Briefing

If your company operates in the grocery industry, you are likely to be impacted.  IGD's briefing on the UK market and the impacts of consolidation will reveal:

• The key drivers of the current trading environment
• The impact on consumer behaviour
• Retailer responses in developing stronger value-for-money propositions
• The outlook for the leading UK food and grocery retailers over the next 12 months, including, Aldi, Asda, M&S Food, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose
• The strategic developments of the Co-operative Group and its role within the wider Co-operative Movement, and the role of the Co-operative Retail Trading Group (CRTG)
• Somerfield's strengths and the key drivers of the acquisition
• The challenges for the Co-operative Group in integrating Somerfield
• The implications for suppliers, and the industry as a whole

To book your places for this briefing call 01928 511011 or email info@foodnw.co.uk