Vendex KBB in discussions concerning the sale of Hans Anders group

Vendex KBB announces that discussions are ongoing with a number of parties concerning the sale of Hans Anders opticians group. The preparations for this divestment process have started some monthÂ's ago. No further information will be given concerning the course of the process at this point. The works council has been informed about the proposed sale.

The sale of Hans Anders group is in line with Vendex KBBÂ's strategy to further streamlining the wide portfolio of retail formats and focus on corporate activities with which a significant role can be played within the European market. The expectation is that this active portfolio management will lead in the current year to more divestments.

The Hans Anders group is active with two retail formats: Hans Anders Opticiens and Het Huis Opticiens, with together more than 400 outlets. Both formats have operated successfully for years and achieve an excellent return on capital investment.

With 224 outlets Hans Anders is one of the biggest opticians in the Netherlands, and also has 20 outlets in Belgium. The format is active in the low-price segment. Het Huis Opticiens is an opticians chain at the top end of the market. With 137 outlets (of which 66 are associated independent opticians) Het Huis Opticiens occupies a prominent position in this segment of the Dutch market. The group also sells hearing aids via the Hans Anders Hearing Appliances concept and through the Van Boxtel specialty stores (25 outlets), recently taken over from its affiliated company ItÂ's. The groupÂ's workforce of some 1,500 people will not be affected by the sale.

(source: KBB Vendex)

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