BMI is the first to bring the international retail concept to the LEVANT

Beirut, Lebanon - May 10th 2013: Business Management Integrated Holding (BMI) in partnership with SPAR's principal partner in the Middle East Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society (ADCOOPS) is proud to announce the signing of a licence agreement to operate SPAR supermarkets in Lebanon. The introduction of SPAR, the world's largest co-operative of independent food retailers and wholesalers, with 12,331 stores in 35 countries was announced at an elegant dinner ceremony held at Sursock Palace Gardens on May 10, 2013.

With a vision to take a leading role in the food retail market in Lebanon, BMI revealed its ambitious plan of opening 10 SPAR stores within the coming five years to include: SPAR Hypermarkets, SPAR supermarkets and SPAR Express convenience stores, each of which has their own distinct customer offer built on the values of Freshness, Value, Choice and Service. The first SPAR outlet is set to open at the beginning of 2014. SPAR operates a voluntary chain model, independent retailers and wholesalers working together for mutual benefit under the SPAR brand, sharing best practices and resources to offer customers world class service.


Speaking at the launch event Dr. Gordon Campbell, CEO of SPAR International, said "We are very excited at the expansion and development of SPAR in Lebanon and delighted to have BMI Holding on board. We are confident that they will find excellent locations and open quality stores to provide Lebanese consumers with an exciting new customer experience."

Also commenting on the occasion, Mr. Habib Wehbi, Chairman and CEO of BMI Holding, said "With the support of our long term strategic partners, Abu Dhabi COOP and SPAR International we are now able to bring global best practices and the strong positioning of the SPAR brand to Lebanon." He adds, "With BMI's extensive experience combined with our partner's strategic advisory, we plan that SPAR will be a full and frontal supermarket brand in Lebanon."

At SPAR, value is delivered to customers through outstanding service, highest quality fresh foods, convenience, value and a comprehensive range of private label products, combining locally and regionally sourced ranges and internationally imported SPAR brands.

SPAR Lebanon has identified multiple locations across Lebanon ideal for opening SPAR Hypermarkets, Supermarkets and SPAR Express.  The opening of SPAR stores will provide employment to the local population. SPAR Lebanon will also venture into providing established independent retailers the opportunity of joining the SPAR Lebanon network as licensed partners. 

SPAR promises international shopping standards at local prices; an unparalleled customer shopping experience, international food ranges, imported goods and ingredients for richly diverse regional cuisines.

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About BMI Holding:
Business Management Integrated (BMI) is a private holding company headquartered in Lebanon with a substantial regional presence in the Mena Region and Turkey.

BMI invests and manages several companies in various business sectors including retail, media and advertising and industrial manufacturing. These companies cover different markets such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey.

BMI's core goal is to invest in key business sectors, providing management services to enhance investment growth. In three simple steps, Invest, Integrate and Instigate, BMI Holding combines a diversified portfolio of partners that cover different business industries leading to a great success.

Behind this winning strategy is a diverse, well rounded team from different educational and professional backgrounds.

About SPAR International:
SPAR was founded in The Netherlands in 1932 as a voluntary chain organization by Adriaan Van Well.

Over the past 80 years, SPAR has grown to become the largest retail chain with over 12,200 stores in 36 countries across 5 continents. It's a strong retail brand recognized and appreciated by consumers worldwide.

For more information about this press release, please contact:
Serene Itani
TRACCS
Serene.Itani@traccs.net
01-572001/2

Press Release 2013