Spar puts its 363 branches in Switzerland up for sale

Post on: 04.06.2025

South African group Spar Group has announced the sale of its 363 Swiss subsidiaries, following a strategic review of its business activities; European. The decision follows the recent exit from the Polish market and the Spar also intends to divest its operations in the United Kingdom.

Ongoing negotiations

Currently, Spar è in negotiations with local strategic partners, experts in food retail and European distribution. The Objective è Find a buyer that supports the growth ambitions of the local management and ensures continuity for employees, suppliers and customers. According to sources close to the matter, the Spar brand is expected to continue to exist in Switzerland.

Financial situation

In the 2023/24 financial statements, which ended in September, Spar Switzerland reported a 6% drop in turnover to CHF 754.2 million, with net profit down 17% to CHF 5.6 million. The Swiss division accounts for around 10% of the group's total turnover. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2024/25, sales fell further by 9%.

Market environment

The Swiss large-scale retail market è highly competitive, with increasingly competitive consumers. and increasing competition from large supermarkets and cross-border purchases. In addition, Spar Switzerland è involved in a Competition Commission (ComCo) investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices through the service provider Markant, with the possibility of of up to CHF 60 million.

Future prospects

Spar Switzerland CEO Gary Alberts, said that the ideal solution would be a Swiss buyer with local business interests. Negotiations are ongoing, but not è a precise timeline for the conclusion of the agreement.

Spar Switzerland operates over 360 points of sale under the Spar, Eurospar, Spar Express, Maxi and TopCC brands, employing around 1,600 people. In April 2025, the The company has acquired 14 stores from the Schnellmann Group, further expanding its presence in the country.

The South African Spar Group, which acquired the majority stake in Spar Switzerland in 2016, now intends to focus on its business and Africa, Ireland and Sri Lanka.

About Spar

Founded in 1932 in the Netherlands, Spar today one of the mostù large global food distribution groups, present in over 40 countries with thousands of points of sale.

The brand stands out for a cooperative model that combines managerial independence and international synergies. In Switzerland, Spar è active since 1989 and since 2016 è controlled by the South African group Spar Group Ltd, based in Durban.

In addition to traditional supermarkets, the The company also operates under the brands Eurospar, Spar Express, Maxi and TopCC, covering a wide range of formats and distribution channels, from neighborhood stores to cash & Carry. The group has always positioned as a alternative to large-scale distribution, focusing on quality, proximity and collaboration with local partners.