Casino group announces today that it informed GPA that it increased its holding by 8.6 million preferred shares, which corresponds to 3.3% of GPA share capital. As of today, its total economic holding, including ordinary shares, amounts to 37% of GPA share capital.
This operation shows the Group’s continuing commitment towards GPA and its trust in its Executive team. Casino thus reiterates its intent to strengthen GPA’s long term development as well as the Group’s positions in fast-growing markets.
This acquisition does not change the corporate control of GPA, which continues to be exercised by Wilkes* in line with the provisions contained in both the Wilkes’ Shareholders Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2006, and the GPA’s one, dated as of December 20, 2006.
Saintt-Etienne, 16 June 2011
Casino
Casino is a leading food retailer in France and abroad. At 31 December, 2010, it operated a total of 11,663 stores in various retail formats. France accounts for 62% of Group’s revenue and 59% of its trading profit, and international markets, where it operates in 8 countries for 38% of Group’s revenue and 41% of its operating profit.
In 2010, consolidated revenue totaled €29 billion, while net earnings (Group share) totaled €559 million.
Casino is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
GPA
Grupo Pão de Açucar (GPA, historic player in the Brazilian retail market, has a multi-format, multi-banner portfolio. At the end of 2010, GPA operated a total of 1,647 stores, with strong market positions in Brazil’s two most economically vibrant states, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. GPA posted revenue of €13,751 million in 2010. GPA has been proportionately consolidated by Casino since 1 July 2005.
GPA is listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange.
*Controlling holding of GPA, co-controlled by Casino Group and Diniz Group.
Investor Relations
Régine GAGGIOLI rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr +33 (0)1 53 65 64 17
Aline NGUYEN anguyen@groupe-casino.fr +33 (0)1 53 65 64 85