🛒 SPAR Group Exits UK, Focuses on Core Markets & Growth 📈

South African retailer SPAR Group is negotiating the sale of its UK business (Appleby Westward unit) as part of a strategic shift to narrow its focus on core markets. • Strategic Focus: SPAR has exited Switzerland and Poland in the past two years and now aims to concentrate on Southern Africa, Ireland, and its small joint venture in Sri Lanka. • Expansion Plans: The group plans to grow its upper-end Gourmet banner, adding 4-5 new stores next financial year and targeting 100 outlets within five years. They also intend to expand into non-food categories like pet care, liquor, and building materials. • Financials (FY ended Sept 2025): • Diluted headline earnings per share (HEPS) from continuing operations fell 9% to 795.4 cents (vs 873.7 cents YoY). • Group revenue increased 1.6% to 132.4 billion rand (US$ 7.82 Bn), with the second half seeing a 3.5% rise. • Gross operating profit rose 2.3% to 2.8 billion rand, driven by strong performances in Southern Africa. • Challenges: Higher financing costs linked to legacy Poland debt impacted profitability.