Tannenwald Holding acquired SPAR Switzerland from SPAR Group (South Africa)
We have advised the shareholders of Tannenwald Holding on its acquisition of SPAR Switzerland, a leading food wholesaler and retailer, from the listed SPAR Group, based in South Africa.
SPAR Switzerland is a leading food wholesaler and retailer, operating a multi-format network across the country under the brands of SPAR, EUROSPAR, SPAR Express, Maxi, and TopCC, with a nearly 300-year history dating back to 1761. The company manages around 358 stores, 11 cash and carry outlets, and a central distribution centre. SPAR Group, based in South Africa, initially entered Switzerland in 2016 through a majority investment, followed by full ownership in 2021. After a strategic portfolio review in 2024, the group decided to divest its Swiss operations, amongst others.
Tannenwald Holding, backed by a group of renowned Swiss investors with retail expertise, is committed to ensuring continuity for local retail partners, employees, and customers of SPAR Switzerland, while further driving innovation and customer focus. As part of the takeover, targeted improvement measures are planned to strengthen the company and make it fit for the future, such as the realisation of synergies from the buyer’s ecosystem of companies. The aim is to increase competitiveness and position SPAR Switzerland for long-term success. The acquisition underlines a long-term commitment to Switzerland and Liechtenstein as a business location, and provides SPAR Switzerland, alongside its brands, a strong platform for future growth. The company will be guided by an experienced board of directors, including Prof. Dr. Reto Francioni, Dr. Peter Weber, and Dr. Daniel Häring.