French retailer Casino and furniture chain Conforama, owned by South African group Steinhoff, have forged a co-operation agreement to use a combined €1.3bn ($1.45bn) of purchasing power to boost efficiency. The operation (set to launch for the 2017 purchasing negotiations) is expected to generate annual savings of €30m in the medium term.
Named “Mano”, the agency will aim to optimise for both groups purchasing in France from the main international suppliers of household appliances (from white goods to lighter electricals such as televisions and computers). It will thus be positioned as the leader or co-leader in its areas of activity and enhance the competitiveness of the Conforama, Cdiscount, Géant, Monoprix and Casino Supermarket banners. The Conforama and Casino Groups will each continue to independently operate their sales outlets and e-commerce sites in line with their banners' identities and their respective sales strategies.
