South African retail group Massmart Holdings, whose takeover by US giant Wal-Mart Stores was recently approved by the country's competition authorities, is reportedly drawing up plans to acquire The Fruitspot as it bids to expand its fresh food offer.
Massmart spokesman Brian Leroni told Bloomberg the acquisition constituted 'a relatively modest transaction' which was part of the group's overall plan to increase its business dealings with meat, bakery and fresh produce suppliers.
Massmart currently owns several South African retailers, including Game, DionWired, Makro, Builders Warehouse and Masscash, but its activities in the fresh produce sector are very limited.
Based in the Johannesburg suburb of Marlboro, The Fruitspot was established in 1989 by three brothers – Charles, Johnny and Lino Ferreira – in order to supply fruit and vegetables to the retail, foodservice and hospitality sectors.
