Press

26 July 2012

2012 Second-Quarter Sales and First-Half Results

 11.6% IMPROVEMENT IN CONSOLIDATED TRADING PROFIT, STABLE UNDERLYING NET PROFIT GROUP SHARE, AND TRANSFORMING OPERATIONS IN H1 2012

  • Satisfactory 3.8% growth in Group sales in Q2
    • 5.5% organic growth internationally
    • Business held up well in France
  • H1 2012: EBITDA up +8.1% and Group Trading Profit up +11.6%
    • Excellent performances internationally
    • In France, marked recovery in profitability of Franprix-Leader Price
  • Underlying net profit group share stable at €178 million and increase in the underlying EPS
  • More than half of the €1.5bn asset disposal and capital increase plan has already been completed
  • Major operations announced
    • Change in Mercialys strategy and exceptional distribution to shareholders
    • Control of GPA on 2 July (which will be fully consolidated in H2)
    • Letter of intent signed to buy 50% of Monoprix

The first half 2012 consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 25 July 2012 and have been reviewed by the Statutory Auditors.

Jean-Charles Naouri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Casino Group, stated:

“During the first half of the year, the Group undertook major operations that will help simplify its structure. Its profile will be reinforced by greater exposure to fast-growth markets and buoyant formats. The increase in first half operating profitability once again proves the resiliency of its business model.”

Key figures
Continuing operations (in € m)H1 2011H1 2012% chg.
SALES 16,144 17,348 +7.5%
EBITDA9291,004+8.1%
EBITDA margin5.8%5.8%stable
Trading profit571638+11.6%
Trading margin3.5%3.7%+14bp
Underlying net profit, Group share178178+0.2%
Underlying EPS (in €)1.441.50+4.8%
Net Financial Debt16,7836,043-€740m

1 After reclassification of Mercialys debt in accordance with IFRS 5

2nd QUARTER SALES

In Q2 2012, consolidated sales rose by +3.8%.

Organic growth excluding petrol rose by +1.7%, driven by solid performances in international businesses.

Changes in consolidation scope made a +2.2% positive contribution to sales, due mainly to Casino’s increased stake in GPA. Sales in France and internationally were impacted by an unfavourable calendar effect of, respectively, -0.9% and -2.3%.

GROUP SALES IN 2ND QUARTER 2012
Consolidated net salesQ2 2012% chg. Q2 2012/Q2 2011H1 2012% chg. H1 2012/H1 2011
in €mGrowthOrganic
growth
excl. petrol
in €mGrowthOrganic
growth excl.
petrol
Total,
continuing
operations
8,608.6+3.8%+1.7%17,347.9+7.5%+4.1%
France4,531.3-3.3%-1.4%9,026.4-0.8%+0.3%
International4,077.4+13.1%+5.4%8,321.5+18.2%+8.6%

FRANCE: OPERATIONS RESILIENT IN THE 2ND QUARTER

Sales in France were slightly down by -0.5% in organic terms, excluding petrol and calendar in the second quarter.
The calendar effect in France amounted to -0.9% in the second quarter. The scope effect was -2% in Q2 2012 due mainly to the deconsolidation of a master franchisee of the Franprix-Leader Price group.

  • Casino France

Casino France sales declined slightly, by -0.7% on an organic basis excluding petrol and calendar.

Excluding petrol and the calendar effect, Géant (hypermarket) sales fell by -3.3%2 on an organic basis. Food sales held up well, driven by the highlight of the entry price private label “Tous les jours” and by the restarting of promotions on all brands, as well as the roll-out of customer loyalizing corners.

In non-food, the second quarter was impacted by unfavourable weather that affected seasonal products, and by the shift in the sales calendar compared to 2011. Sales of multimedia products declined, due to shifts in purchasing behaviours towards e-commerce.

The reduction in non-food surface area accelerated to -8% on the half.

Total non-food sales (Géant + Cdiscount) rose.

Casino supermarkets sales rose by +1.4%² on an organic basis, (excluding petrol and calendar). The banner expanded its offer of fresh goods and set up targeted cash-register promotional tools. It opened three supermarkets in the second quarter, thus bringing to four the number of stores opened in the first half.

Superettes sales fell by -3.2% on an organic basis, excluding the calendar effect. Expansion continued with 102 openings during the quarter, including six stores under the new Casino Shopping and Casino Shop formats, as well as optimising the chain.

Sales of Other businesses (Cdiscount, Mercialys, Restaurants, etc.) rose by +9.1% on an organic basis, thanks mainly to a +14.5% increase at Cdiscount on the quarter and a +20.1% increase in business volume. The banner did very well in household goods, apparel and telephony. Its market share in household appliances and high-tech rose, thanks to the success of the private labels Continental Edison and Oceanic. Cdiscount also accelerated the development of its “market place”, which accounted for more than 5% of the website’s total sales as of 30 June. The m-commerce (i.e., sales via smartphones and touch pads) already account for 4% of the website sales.

2 Restated for the transfer of four Géant stores to Casino Supermarkets

  • Franprix-Leader Price

Franprix sales recorded a slight decrease by -0.5% on an organic basis excluding the calendar effect. 8 stores were opened during the quarter. 15 have now been opened year to date. Cash-register promotion and customer-loyalty tools were rolled out, offering 5% discounts on the Leader Price private label. Franprix has also raised the number of Leader Price products costing less than €1, continued to develop its private label, and made targeted price cuts.

Leader Price total sales fell by -2.5% on an organic basis during the quarter when excluding the calendar effect. The organic change in sales includes the impact of the closing of 15 stores since 1 January 2012. Five stores were opened during the quarter, thus bringing the year-to-date total to eight. Leader Price has successfully refocused on fundamentals; its price indices are highly competitive; and it has enhanced its operating efficiency and improved its offer of fresh goods through greater professionalisation of teams. It has confirmed the expectations of early in the year, both in sales perspectives and profitability.

Franprix-Leader Price sales decreased overall by -1.3% on an organic basis, excluding the calendar effect on the quarter, due mainly to the impact of Leader Price store closings or transfers. Reported sales fell by 7.5% due to the deconsolidation of a master franchisee.

  • Monoprix

Monoprix achieved +1.5% organic growth in sales when excluding the calendar effect, with food doing well, promoted by operations from traditional corners.

Despite an unfavourable second quarter impact from the weather and the shift in the sales calendar, apparel sales held up well on the half, due to the impact of marketing operations. A total of 7 stores were opened in the quarter (2 Naturalia, 2 Citymarchés and 3 Monop’), bringing to 12 the total number of stores that have been opened on the year to date.

Evolution of sales in France in the second quarter (reported and organic growth excluding petrol and calendar)
 in €mQ2 2011Q2 2012Reported
growth
Organic growth
excluding petrol
and calendar effect
Net sales, France4,687.74,531.3-3.3%-0.5%
Casino France3,009.52,940.7-2.3%-0.7%
Géant Casino hypermarkets1,361.11,277.2-6.2%-3.3%3
Casino supermarkets907.8934.4+2.9%+1.4%3
Superettes370.3359.7-2.9%-2.6%
Cdiscount & Other businesses370.3369.4-0.2%+9.1%
Franprix – Leader Price1,184.61,095.9-7.5%-1.3%
Monoprix493.5494.7+0.2%+1.5%

 3 Restated for the transfer of four Géant stores to Casino Supermarkets

Evolution of sales in France in the second quarter (Same-store growth, excluding petrol and including calendar)
Q2 2012
Géant Casino hypermarkets-5.1%
Casino supermarkets-2.4%
Franprix-4.0%
Leader Price-3.4%
Monoprix-0.8%

 

INTERNATIONAL: ROBUST OPERATIONS GROWTH CONTINUED IN Q2

Sales by International subsidiaries rose by +13.1%, due to solid organic growth of +5.5% and a scope effect due to Casino’s increased stake in GPA. The calendar effect was a negative -2.3%.

  • Latin America

Sales rose by +5.5% on an organic basis and by +4.1% on a same-store basis.

In Colombia, total sales rose by +15.5%. Same-store sales were impacted by the anticipation of the “Aniversario” promotion in Q1 and the postponement of the “Mega Prima” promotion in July versus 2011. Expansion is focused on these convenience and discount formats under the Exito Express and Surtimax brands, which opened 20 stores during the quarter.

In Brazil, total sales rose by +11.4%. GPA maintained robust same-store sales of +5.6% . In food, same-store sales at GPA Food rose by +4.7%4, driven by the very good performance in Assai cash & carry stores and by the successful conversion of 66 Extra Facil convenience stores under the new “Minimercado Extra” concept, which has resulted in an acceleration in this format’s sales growth.

Same-store sales at Viavarejo, which include Ponto Frio, Casas Bahia and e-commerce sales, rose by 6.7%4, with a positive impact from tax incentives on purchases of household appliances and furniture.

Expansion continued in the second quarter with the opening of nine stores: three Ponto Frio, three Casas Bahia, one Pão de Açucar, one Hiper Extra and one Minimercado Extra.

  • Asia

Asia’s organic growth came to +7.5% in the second quarter.

In Thailand, organic growth at Big C was very good, despite the consequences of flooding that continues to disrupt logistics and supply chains. Total sales rose sharply, driven by aggressive expansion (one hypermarket, three supermarkets, 25 Mini Big C and 19 Pure stores have been opened so far this year) and same-store growth. Mall sales are very strong.

On 3 May the company successfully undertook a capital increase via a private placement (which was oversubscribed more than four times), which contributes to support its expansion plans.

Vietnam once again achieved very robust organic growth in its sales on the quarter (+28.2%) in a context of lower inflation compared to 2011. A new convenience format was launched with the opening of a C Express.

Figures reported by the companies

International sales growth in Q2 2012
Reported
growth
Organic
growth
Same-store
growth
Latin America+13.1%+5.5%+4.1%
Asia+17.2%+7.5%+2.3%
International sales growth in H1 2012
Reported
growth
Organic
growth
Same-store
growth
Latin America+20.7%+9.4%+7.9%
Asia+14.7%+8.6%+3.3%

H1 2012 RESULTS: CONSOLIDATED TRADING PROFIT UP 11.6%

The Group achieved robust 7.5% sales growth in the first half. In organic terms, excluding the calendar effect, sales rose by 4%, driven by strong same-store growth and international expansion. Fast-growth markets accounted for 46% of Group consolidated sales in the first half. When including the full consolidation of GPA, fast-growth markets accounted for 59%5 .

Group trading profit rose by +11.6% to €638 million, driven by steep growth in Latin America and Asia. Operating margins were strong at Monoprix, FPLP, and operations in Asia and Latin America.

The Group’s fast-growth markets already account for 60% of consolidated trading profit in the first half. When including the full consolidation of GPA as of 1 January 2012, fast-growth markets account for 72%5.

Trading profit in France came to €251 million, which fell by -7.3% compared to the first half of 2011, driven mainly by declining non-food sales at Géant and the payment of the profit sharing bonus. Trading profit at Franprix-Leader Price rose by +15.4%, thanks to action plans at the various chains. Trading profit rose by 12.8% at Monoprix.

International trading profit surged by +28.7%, to €387 million. Organic growth was robust in Brazil, Colombia and Thailand. Excluding the scope effect (linked to the Casino’s increased stake in GPA), international trading profit rose by +17.4%.

Other operating income and expenses (€104 million) include mainly provisions and charges for restructuring, litigation and transaction fees incurred by ongoing operations.

The evolution of the cost of debt remained under control at €222 million (vs. €214 million in H1 2011).

Net profit group share came to €124 million. When restated for exceptional items, underlying net profit6 group share amounted to €178 million, which was stable compared to first half of 2011.

For the first half of 2012 the Group’s net financial debt (exluding Mercialys) came to €6,043 million, or €740 million lower than one year earlier. The Group continued to implement its €1.5 billion asset disposal and capital increase plan, hence reinforcing its financial structure. More than half of the plan had already been carried out by the end of the first half, thanks to disposal of Mercialys securities and its exceptional distribution (€670 million) and to Big C’s private placement in Thailand (€102 million).

The liquidity situation is solid, with €1.4 billion in cash and €2.5 billion in undrawn confirmed credit lines, while the Group’s bond debt maturity has been extended to 4.6 years (vs. 4.4 at the end of 2011 and 3.1 at the end of 2010).

 H1 2012 pro forma with GPA and Mercialys fully consolidated and Monoprix proportionately consolidate (The impact of the full integration of GPA from 1 January 2012 on the Group’s interim consolidated accounts is described in Note 17 to the interim consolidated financial statements)

6 Underlying net profit is equal to net profit on continuing operations, adjusted for other operating income and expenses and the effects of non-recurring financial income and non-recurring tax income and expenses (see appendices)

 

H1 2012 RESULTS
Continuing operations (in €m)H1 2011H1 2012% chg.% organic chg. 1
SALES 16,14417,348 +7.5% +4.1%
– of which France9,1029,026-0.8%+0.3%
– of which International7,0418,322+18.2%+8.6%
EBITDA(2) 9291,004 +8.1% +3.9%
– of which France479438-8.6%-6.8%
– of which International450566+25.8%+15.1%
Trading profit 571 638 +11.6% +5.3%
– of which France271251-7.3%-8.6%
– of which International301387+28.7%+17.4%
Other operating income and expense,
net
125)(104)+17%
Operating profit446534+19.7%
Finance costs, net(214)(222)-3.6%
Other financial income and expense, net(9)21
Income tax expense(52)(95)
Share of profits of associates(4)(15)
Profit (loss) from Continuing operations,
Group share 
134 125-6.6% 
Profit (loss) from discontinued
operations, Group share
(1)(1)
Net profit, Group share133124-6.5%
UNDERLYING PROFIT,
GROUP SHARE(3) 
178 178 +0.2% 

(1) Based on a comparable scope of consolidation and constant exchange rates, excluding the impact of real-estate disposals
(2) EBITDA: Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.
(3)See details in the appendix.

 Trading profit by format

 

FRANCE
Trading profit (in €m)H1 2011MarginH1 2012MarginChg. (organic)
Casino France1562.7%1192.0%-77bp
Franprix-Leader Price582.6%673.1%+71bp
Monoprix575.8%646.4%+55bp
FRANCE 271 3.0% 251 2.8% -26bp
International
Trading profit (in €m)H1 2011MarginH1 2012MarginChg. (organic)
Latin America1973.8%2654.2%+39bp
Asia966.7%1177.1%+45bp
Other businesses8n/a5n/an/a
INTERNATIONAL 301 4.3%387 4.6% +35bp

 

H2 2012 PERSPECTIVES

Through the control of GPA and the signing of a letter of intent on Monoprix, the Casino Group will cross a strategic historical threshold in the second half. Its profile is now mostly exposed to fast-growth markets and to buoyant formats.

In France, in a very competitive backdrop, the Group will intensify its action plans during H2 2012. It will accelerate its leadership in non-food e-commerce through Cdiscount as well as the roll-out of the multi-channel. Expansion will continue in convenience formats, with ambitious objectives in all formats. Casino will seek to control its costs and reinforce its operating excellence. Action plans in hypermarkets are reinforced in food through ongoing promotions and in non-food by the proactive and accelerated reduction in surface areas and greater attractiveness of sites.

Internationally, where the Group operates on four, high-potential growth markets with a total population of more than 400 million, Casino will support the consolidation of its major subsidiaries’ leadership.

  • In Brazil, GPA is pursuing its rewarding strategy in a country with favourable prospects. The Group, a long-standing strategic partner of its subsidiary, will continue to support its development plan, which has proved successful. Casino has, meanwhile, reaffirmed its confidence in the company’s management team.
  • In Colombia, Exito continues to grow and to consolidate its leadership through 100 annual store openings focused on these high-potential convenience and discount formats. The company continues to develop its businesses complementary to retail which aim at strengthening its margin and continues to integrate the Disco and Devoto banners in Uruguay.
  • Big C in Thailand will continue to roll-out its fast-growth and profitable strategy that has proved successful. The sustained commercial momentum will be reinforced by expansion on small formats and through the dual model combining hypermarkets and shopping malls. Big C’s financial flexibility and development potential have been underpinned by the refinancing of its debt on attractive terms and by its successful capital increase via a private placement, which will help make it a major player in the region.
  • In Vietnam, Big C continues to expand on the basis of the dual model, with the opening of four hypermarkets will shopping malls and the new C Express convenience format undergoing testing.

As from the date of effective change in control, the Group’s stake in Mercialys will be accounted for under the equity method.

The Group reiterates its objectives for 2012:

  • Group sales growth above 10%
  • Stability in the Group’s food market share in France
  • Growth in the trading profit of FPLP
  • Maintain a Net Financial Debt/EBITDA ratio below 2.2x
  • Assets disposals and capital increases plan totalling €1.5 billion in 2012.

Agenda of coming releases:

Monday 15 October 2012: Q3 sales

ANALYST AND INVESTOR CONTACTS

Régine GAGGIOLI – Tel.:+33 (0)1 53 65 64 17
rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr

or

+33 (0)1 53 65 64 18
IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr

PRESS CONTACTS

Thierry ORSONI – Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 65 24 78
torsoni@groupe-casino.fr

or

Frédéric CROCCEL – Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 65 24 39
fcroccel@groupe-casino.fr

Image 7

Leslie JUNG – Tel.: +44 7818 641 803
ljung@image7.fr

Disclaimer

This press release has been prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell securities or related financial instruments. Similarly, it does not and should not be treated as giving investment advice. It has no connection with the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any receiver. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained in this document. It should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgments. All opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

APPENDICES

Main changes in the consolidation scope

  • Full consolidation of PRO and SARJEL within the Franprix-Leader Price group, effective 1 February 2011
  • Full consolidation of SODEME within the Franprix-Leader Price group, effective 15 April 2011
  • Full consolidation of DSO within the Franprix-Leader Price group, from 1 February to 31 August 2011
  • Full consolidation of BARAT within the Franprix-Leader Price group, effective 8 March 2012
  • GPA stake raised to 40.3% as at 30 June 2012 from 37.1% as at 30 June 2011.
  • During H1 2012, Mercialys was fully consolidated. In accordance with IFRS 5, Mercialys’ assets and liabilities have now been reclassified on the consolidated balance sheet under “Assets held for sale” and “Liabilities associated with assets held for sale”.
Exchange rates

Average exchange ratesQ1 2011Q1 2012% chg.H1 2011H1 2012% chg.Argentine (ARS/EUR)0.1820.176-3.6%0.1760.176-0.3%Uruguay (UYP/EUR)0.0370.039+4.8%0.0370.039+4.0%Thailand (THB/EUR)0.0240.025+2.8%0.0230.025+5.7%Vietnam (VND/EUR) (x1000)0.0370.037-0.1%0.0350.037+5.5%Colombia (COP/EUR) (x1000)0.3900.424+8.7%0.3880.430+10.8%Brazil (BRL/EUR)0.4390.432-1.6%0.4370.414-5.3%

Reconciliation of reported profit to underlying profit

Underlying profit corresponds to net profit from continuing operations adjusted for the impact of other operating income and expense (as defined in the “Significant Accounting Policies” section of the notes to the consolidated financial statements), non-recurring financial items and non-recurring income tax expense/benefits.

Non-recurring financial items include fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss whose market value may be highly volatile. For example, fair value adjustments to financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting and embedded derivatives indexed to the Casino share price are excluded from underlying profit.

Non-recurring income tax expense/benefits correspond to tax effects related directly to the above adjustments and to direct non-recurring tax effects. In other words, the tax on underlying profit before tax is calculated at the standard average tax rate paid by the Group. Underlying profit is a measure of the Group’s recurring profitability.

Casino 2013

in €mH1 2011AdjustmentsH1 2011
(underlying)H1 2012AdjustmentsH1 2012
(underlying)TRADING PROFIT 571571 638 638Other operating income and expense, net(125)1250(104)1040OPERATING PROFIT 446 125 571 551 104 638Finance costs, net(214)0(214)(222)0(222)Other financial income and expense,net(1) (9)11221(24)(3)Income tax expense (2) (52)(50)(102)(95)(31)(126)Share of profit of associates(4)0(4)(15)0(15)PROFIT (LOSS) ON CONTINUING
OPERATIONS 
166 86 252 223 49 271of which minority interests(3) 32427498(5)93OF WHICH GROUP SHARE 134 44 178 125 53 178

 (1) The following are deducted from Other financial income and expenses: the impact of monetary discounting of tax liabilities in Brazil (-€10m in 2011 and -€7m in 2012), translation losses on Venezuelan state receivables in USD (-€30m in 2011 and €0m in 2012), as well as fair value changes of the Total Return Swap on Exito, GPA and Big C shares (+€29m in 2011 and +€32m in 2012).
(2) The following are deducted from tax charges: tax items corresponding to the items deducted above, as well as non-recurring income and charges.
(3) The following are deducted from minority interests: the amounts related to the items subtracted above.

Q2 AND H1 SALES
Q2% chg. H1 % chg.
2011
€m
2012
€m
 ReportedAt
constant
exchange
rates
2011
€m
 2012
€m
ReportedAt
constant
exchange rates
FRANCE 4,687.7 4,531.3 -3.3% -3.3% 9,102.2 9,026.4 -0.8% -0.8%
Of which:
Casino France3,009.52,940.7-2.3%-2.3%5,866.65,862.0-0.1%-0.1%
Géant Casino
hypermarkets
1,361.11,277.2-6.2%-6.2%2,637.42,548.3-3.4%-3.4%
Casino supermarkets907.8934.4+2.9%+2.9%1,742.61,799.5+3.3%+3.3%
Superettes370.3359.7-2.9%-2.9%715.1713.3-0.3%-0.3%
Cdiscount & Other
businesses
370.3369.4-0.2%+9.1%771.4801+3.8%+3.8%
Franprix – Leader Price1,184.61,095.9-7.5%-7.5%2,258.92,158.0-4.5%-4.5%
Monoprix493.5494.7+0.2%+0.2%976.71,006.4+3.0%+3.0%
INTERNATIONAL 3,606.2 4,077.4 +13.1% +13.3% 7,041.5 8,321.5 +18.2% +17.5%
Of which:
Latin America2,680.23,031.4+13.1%+16.0%5,185.66,256.5+20.7%+21.4%
Asia711.1833.4+17.2%+7.5%1,430.91,641.4+14.7%+8.6%
Other businesses214.8212.5-1.1%-1.5%425.1423.7-0.3%-0.7%
SALES FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS 
8,293.8 8,608.6 +3.8% +3.9% 16,143.7 17,347.9 +7.5% +7.1%

 

Store numbers at year-end: France
31 Dec. 201131 March 201230 June 2012
Géant Casino hypermarkets127126123
 Of which French affiliates888
    International affiliates555
+ service stations10110097
Casino supermarkets422425434
 Of which French Franchisees/Affiliates515154
   International Franchisee/Affiliates323535
+ service stations170169172
Franprix supermarkets897892897
 Of which Franchisee outlets379377384
Monoprix supermarkets514518523
 Of which Naturalia555860
 Of which Franchisee outlets/Affiliates130131131
Leader Price discounts608595599
 Of which Franchisee outlets271245256
Total supermarkets + discounts2,4412,4302,453
  Of which Franchisee outlets/Stores operated under business leases 863839860
Petit Casino superettes1,7581,7451,707
 Of which Franchisee outlets292826
Casino Shopping superettes6710
Casino Shop superettes161927
Eco Services superettes111
Coop Alsace superettes31
 Of which Franchisee outlets31
Spar superettes956955972
 Of which Franchisee outlets755743748
Vival superettes1,7521,6991,708
Of which Franchisee outlets1,7501,6971,706
Casitalia and C’Asia superettes111
Other franchise stores1,1341,1151,109
Corner, Relay, Shell, Elf, Carmag, etc.1,1341,1151,109
Wholesale activity937935935
TOTAL Convenience stores6,5616,4776,501
 Of which Franchisee outlets/Stores operated under business leases/wholesaling4,6064,5194,556
Other Affiliate stores262828
 Of which French Affiliates182019
 International Affiliates889
DIV Other businesses295297304
 Cafeterias293295302
 Cdiscount222
TOTAL France9,4509,3589,409
Hypermarkets (hypermarkets)127126123
Supermarkets (SM)1,8331,8351,854
Discount (DIS)608595599
Superettes + other stores6,5876,5056,529
Other (DIV)295297304
Store numbers at year-end: international
International31 Dec. 201131 March 201230 June 2012
ARGENTINA242424
Libertad hypermarkets151515
Other businesses999
URUGUAY525252
Géant hypermarkets111
Disco supermarkets272727
Devoto supermarkets242424
BRAZIL1,5711,5701,575
Extra hypermarkets132133134
Pao de Açucar supermarkets159158159
Extra Perto supermarkets204204204
Assai discount stores596059
Extra Facil and Minimercado Extra superettes727169
DIV Casas Bahia544544547
DIV Ponto Frio401400403
THAILAND221240268
Big C hypermarkets108108109
Big C supermarkets121415
Mini Big C superettes516275
DIV Pure505669
VIETNAM232324
Big C hypermarkets181818
New Cho superettes555
C Express superettes001
INDIAN OCEAN535353
Jumbo hypermarkets111111
Score/Jumbo supermarkets222222
Cash and Carry supermarkets555
Spar supermarkets888
DIV Other777
COLOMBIA351366383
Exito hypermarkets808284
Pomona, Carulla, Exito supermarkets130131133
Surtimax discount stores788489
Exito Express and Carulla Express superettes546069
DIV Ley and Other998
TOTAL INTERNATIONAL2,2952,3282,379
Hypermarkets (HM)365368372
Supermarkets (SM)591593597
Discount (DIS)137144148
Superettes (SUP)182198219
Other (DIV)1,0201,0251,043
30 June 2012

Casino: successful bond issue of €650 million

 

Casino successfully issued a new 7-year bond of €650 million.

This operation, which strengthens the Group’s liquidity, is intended to refinance the nextdebt repayments of the Group. It extends the average maturity of Casino’s bond debt to 4.8 years today (vs. 4.6 years as of the end of June).

This new bond, which will pay a coupon of 3.157%, has been significantly oversubscribed by a diversified investor base. This coupon is the lowest ever achieved by the Group in a bond issue.

Casino is rated BBB- stable by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.

 

Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, Citibank, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Natixis, RBS and Société Générale acted as joint bookrunners.

 

ANALYST AND INVESTOR CONTACTS
Régine GAGGIOLI – Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 65 64 17
rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr
or
+33 (0)1 53 65 64 18
IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr

 

29 June 2012

Casino and GroupeGaleries Lafayette announce the signing of a letter of intent in relation to Monoprix

In the context of conciliation talks conducted under the authority of the President of the Commercial Court of Paris, on June 28th, 2012, Casino and GroupeGaleries Lafayette, both equal shareholders of Monoprix since 2000, signed a letter of intent concerning the 50% stake held by GroupeGaleries Lafayette in Monoprix.

The two groups aim to reach a settlement agreement with respect to the sale of GroupeGaleries Lafayette’s interest, by October 30th, 2013, for a consideration of 1,175 million euros, indexed from April 1st, 2013. Casino has already committed itself with respect to the terms of a settlement agreement. The acquisition by Casino would be completed after being approved by the French Competition Authority.

Mr Jean-Charles Naouri, Chairman and CEO of Casino, will be appointed as a board member of Monoprix during the General Assembly being held today. Mr Philippe Houzé will remain Chairman and CEO of Monoprix. After the signing of a definitive settlement agreement, a Chairman and CEO for Monoprix proposed by Casino will be appointed.

Monoprix is implementing the information and consultation procedure regarding the contemplated transaction.

Casino and GroupeGaleries Lafayette will, upon completion of the sale of shares, abandon the pending legal proceedings.

Casino and GroupeGaleries Lafayette welcome the signing of this letter of intent which should allow them to put an end to their disagreements. Casino and GroupeGaleries Lafayette congratulate the management and the entire team of Monoprix for the excellent work performed by them, under the chairmanship of Mr Philippe Houzé. The settlement should allow the company to pursue its development under optimal conditions with Groupe Casino.

Press Contacts

Groupe Casino

Thierry Orsoni

torsoni@groupe-casino.fr

+33 (0)1.53.65.24.78

Frédéric Croccel

fcroccel@groupe-casino.fr

+33 (0)1.53.65.24.39

Groupe Galeries Lafayette

Laurent Perpère

lperpere@brunswickgroup.com

+33 (0)53.96.83.83

 

Alexandra van Weddingen

avanweddingen@brunswickgroup.com

+33 (0)1.53.96.83.83

Analyst and Investor Contacts

Groupe Casino

Régine GAGGIOLI

rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr

+33 1 53 65 64 17

IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr

+33 1 53 65 64 18

Groupe Galeries Lafayette

Laurent Perpère

lperpere@brunswickgroup.com

+33 (0)53.96.83.83

Alexandra van Weddingen

avanweddingen@brunswickgroup.com

+33 (0)1.53.96.83.83

22 June 2012

Casino group becomes the sole controlling shareholder of GPA

The extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of Wilkes, which directly controls GPA, held today in Sao Paulo (Brazil), appointed Jean-Charles Naouri, Casino’s Chairman & CEO as Chairman of the Wilkes’ Board of Directors. Through this appointment, the Casino group becomes the sole controlling shareholder of GPA in accordance with the agreements signed in 2005 with the Diniz family.

Furthermore, Mrs. Eleazar de Carvalho Filho, Luiz Augusto de Castro Neves and Roberto Oliveira de Lima were appointed to GPA’s Board of Directors during the company’s ESM also held today in Sao Paulo. As a consequence, eight directors have been nominated by Casino, giving the group the majority vote at the GPA’s Board of Directors.
With the active contribution of Casino since its first investment 13 years ago in the company, GPA has become the undisputed leading distribution group in Brazil and the country’s largest private employer.
Jean-Charles Naouri, Casino group’s Chairman & CEO declared: “I am very happy and proud that the Casino Group is taking this new role in a magnificent company such as GPA. Since we became GPA’s partner in 1999, we have strongly believed in Brazil and in the company and contributed to its success alongside the Diniz family. While maintaining GPA’s strong identity and Brazilian culture, I will, together with the entire Casino group, further support GPA’s management team, led by Eneas Pestana, its CEO, in its objective to strengthen GPA’s leadership and make it an even more beloved and admired company.
ANALYST AND INVESTOR CONTACTS
Régine GAGGIOLI – Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 65 64 17
rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr
or
+33 (0)1 53 65 64 18
IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr
12 June 2012

Casino: success of the payment of 2011 dividend in shares

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on 11 May 2012 decided to pay a dividend, for financial year 2011, of €3 per share. Shareholders had the option of receiving half of this dividend (€1.50) in shares and, consequently, to receive new Company shares. The unit issue price of the new shares was set at €62.82, i.e. 90% of the average opening share price from the twenty trading days leading up to 11 May 2012, less the amount of the dividend.
76.41% of the rights were exercised in favour of the scrip dividend, showing the strong interest from shareholders.
The success of this operation enabled the Company to reinforce its shareholders’ equity by €126.84 million, by creating 2,019,110 new shares, which will be delivered and admitted for trading on Euronext Paris on 15 June 2012.
These new shares will be immediately assimilated with existing shares.
The cash dividend payment totals €205.09 million. It will be paid on 15 June 2012.
ANALYST AND INVESTOR CONTACTS
Régine GAGGIOLI – Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 65 64 17
rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr
or
+33 (0)1 53 65 64 18
IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr
4 June 2012

Casino continues the process of becoming sole controlling shareholder of GPA in Brazil – Casino indicates Messrs. Eleazar de Carvalho Filho, Luiz Augusto de Castro Neves and Roberto Oliveira de Lima to GPA’s Board of Directors

Continuing the previously-agreed process for the rearrangement of corporate control of Companhia Brasileira de Distribuição (“GPA”)1, Casino, Guichard-Perrachon (“Casino”) sent a notice today to Mr. Abilio Diniz informing him of the name of the three (3) individuals that shall be elected to the Board of directors of GPA at GPA’s Shareholders Meeting, expected to occur on June 22, 2012.
Mr. Eleazar de Carvalho Filho is a highly skilled executive and is the founding partner of Virtus BR Partners. In the past, he held CEO positions at Unibanco Investment Bank, at the Brazilian National Economic and Social Development Bank – BNDES and at UBS Bank – Brazil. He was a non-executive Chairman of BHP Billiton in Brazil. Mr. Carvalho Filho is currently a Board member of FMC Technologies Inc. and Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners.
Mr. Luiz Augusto de Castro Neves is a highly skilled diplomat with a long standing career in the Brazilian Foreign Relations Ministry. Mr. Castro Neves served as the Brazilian Ambassador to China from 2004 to 2008, a strategic position for the Brazilian government. He later became the Brazilian Ambassador to Japan from 2008 to 2010. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Itaipu Binacional. He is currently the Chairman of CEBRI – Brazilian Center for International Relations.
Mr. Roberto Oliveira de Lima is a highly skilled executive and has held key positions at important companies in Brazil. He previously held the CEO positions at Vivo, the Brazilian leader in mobile communication, and Chairman and CEO of Credicard. He also held executive positions at the Accor Group among others. Mr. Lima is currently a Board member of Natura, Telefonica Brasil, Rodobens and Edenred.
Upon the election of Messrs. Eleazar de Carvalho Filho, Luiz Augusto de Castro Neves and Roberto Oliveira de Lima, the majority of the members of the Board of Directors of GPA will have been appointed by Casino.
Casino’s decision to appoint highly respected and experienced Brazilian individuals to the Board of Directors of GPA is in line with its vision that Brazilian people must continue to play a key role regarding the management and the governance of GPA.
In appointing these members, Casino brings new and complementary profiles to GPA’s Board, which will be of great importance in the way the Board will support GPA’s management going forward.
Casino reaffirms its full support and confidence in GPA’s outstanding management and its long term commitment to Brazil.

 

 PRESS CONTACTS

GROUPE CASINO

Thierry ORSONI – Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 65 24 78 – torsoni@groupe-casino.fr

Frédéric CROCCEL – Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 65 24 39 – fcroccel@groupe-casino.fr

IMAGE 7

Grégoire LUCAS – Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 70 74 94 – glucas@image7.fr

Karine ALLOUIS – Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 70 74 81 – kallouis@image7.fr

ANALYST AND INVESTOR CONTACTS

Régine GAGGIOLI – Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 65 64 17 – rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr

or

+33 (0)1 53 65 64 18 – IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr

1 As provided in the shareholders’ agreement of Wilkes Participações S.A. (“Wilkes”, which directly controls GPA).

14 May 2012

Casino Group again rewarded for its commitment to “Diversity”

The Diversity Label, which is awarded by France’s Ministry of the Interior in partnership with the country’s AFNOR Certification organisation, rewards companies whose practices in combating discrimination are deemed to be exemplary. Casino Group obtained this label in 2009, following a campaign by AFNOR Certification to introduce the label and the decision of a panel made up of representatives of several government ministries and trade unions.

Casino Group has been involved since 1993 in combating all forms of exclusion and discrimination, and now implements a diversity promotion policy that encourages the hiring of applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and fosters equal opportunities.
This company policy forms part of a continuous effort to pursue constructive dialogue with all union organisations.

Yves Desjacques, director of human resources for Casino Group, said: “The renewal of the Diversity Label highlights the work of our Group, which has for almost 20 years conducted a determined and innovative policy to promote diversity. Combating discrimination, promoting diversity and taking into account different cultures and attitudes is a day-by-day approach that is of great importance to our employees, our social partners and our general management. It’s a long-term approach and, for all our employees, the renewal of the Diversity Label is very satisfying.”

Through its corporate baseline, Nourrir un Monde de Diversité (Nourishing a World of Diversity), Casino, which has always been a pioneer in this field, has made the promotion of diversity part of its DNA. Its current policy is based on the following areas:

  • Equal opportunities: origins, public territory, priority categories of job-seekers

◦Under the French government’s Hope for the Suburbs plan, Casino Group has, in the space of four years, hired 4,440 people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods under permanent or fixed-term contracts, and offered 2,500 training courses and 750 work-study contracts to young people from these neighbourhoods
◦To incorporate the combat against discrimination in its recruitment practices, since 2008 Casino Group has been using the simulation recruitment method (candidates are selected based on their performance in simulations of real-life situations, and not on the basis of their CV). A total of 2,500 employees have been hired using this method, in partnership with the Pôle Emploi job centres.

  • Disabilities and support for employees who are carers

◦The employment rate for disabled workers at Casino France was 10.71% in 2011 (the legal requirement is 6%). The Group committed in 2011 to hire 180 people with disabilities by the end of 2013
◦Casino Group offers assistance to employees who need to adapt their vehicle to their own disability or to that of a family member (driver’s seat, rails for wheelchairs, etc.)
◦As part of its Aidons les aidants (Assist the carers) campaign, and in order to raise the awareness of all employees, in early May 2012 the Group distributed a booklet offering advice to family carers of elderly or disabled people.

  • Gender equality

◦Women represent 37.5% of managers (against 34% in 2008)
◦A company-wide agreement signed in November 2011 committed the Group to make progress on improvement plans identified in five main areas: recruitment, training, pay, career development, and parental issues
◦In 2012, a working parent handbook was written and distributed, listing all the measures put in place by the Group to assist employees with children (e.g. flexible working hours, career development, etc.). 
The Group has set up the C’avec elles network to put women managers in touch with each other so that they can propose innovative new ideas to the general management. The network currently has 400 members.

  • Older employees

◦Through the signature of a company-wide agreement in September 2009, Casino committed to hire 500 older employees in the 2010-2012 period. The rate of employees aged over 55 increased 15.10% between 2010 and 2011.

  • Respect for religious diversity

◦A Guide to Religious Diversity was distributed in 2011 to all managers.

  • Combat discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation

◦A review was launched in 2011 and will lead to action plans to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation. As part of this approach, a guide for managers will be written and distributed by the end of 2012.

 

Press contacts

Casino Group
Frédéric Croccel / fcroccel@groupe-casino.fr / + 33 1 53 65 24 39

Image 7
Karine Allouis / kallouis@image7.fr / +33 1 53 70 74 81

14 May 2012

Casino continues the process of becoming sole controlling shareholder of GPA in Brazil

Continuing the previously-agreed process for the rearrangement of the corporate control of Companhia Brasileira de Distribuição (“GPA”)1, Casino Guichard-Perrachon (“Casino”) sent today a notice to Mr. Abilio Diniz informing him of its decision to appoint Mr. Jean Charles Naouri, Chairman and CEO of Casino, as chairman of the Wilkes Board of Directors.

Upon the election of Mr. Naouri as Chairman of Wilkes, which should occur at a Wilkes Shareholders’ Meeting expected to be held on June 22, 2012, there will be a change in GPA’s corporate governance structure, resulting in Casino becoming the sole controlling shareholder of GPA.

Casino also gave notice today to Mr. Diniz that it will exercise its right to appoint a majority of the board of directors of GPA1. GPA’s board of directors should start functioning under such new composition as of June 22, 2012 following an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of GPA expected to occur on that date.

Finally, today, Casino exercised its call option1 which allows the company to buy 1 Wilkes share and thereby own the majority of the voting shares of Wilkes. The final acquisition of this share is conditioned upon Mr. Diniz not exercising his first put option, which permits Mr. Diniz until 22 August 2012 to require Casino to purchase one million voting shares of Wilkes (which would also result in Casino owning the majority of the voting shares of Wilkes). As per applicable requirement, Casino informed the Brazilian antitrust authority (CADE) of the acquisition of shares that will result from the foregoing procedure.

Casino reaffirms its full support and confidence in GPA’s outstanding management and its long term commitment to Brazil.

PRESS CONTACTS

Casino Group
Thierry Orsoni
torsoni@groupe-casino.fr
+33 1 53 65 64 38

Image 7
Leslie Jung
ljung@image7.uk.com
+44 7818 641 803

ANALYST AND INVESTOR CONTACTS

Régine Gaggioli
rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr
+33 1 53 65 64 17

or
IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr
+33 1 53 65 64 18

1 As provided in the shareholders’ agreement of Wilkes Participações S.A. (“Wilkes”, which directly controls GPA).

4 May 2012

Casino sells a 9.8% stake in Mercialys

Casino is announcing that it has sold 9.8% of its stake in Mercialys through the implementation of an equity swap with CréditAgricole Corporate and Investment Bank. This transaction, which follows the disposal to bring Casino’s stake in Mercialys down to below 50% on April 25, enables an optimal reclassification of these stocks.
Overall and as of today, this sale has generated cash of €138 million for Casino Group.

As part of the implementation of its new retail real estate strategy of “Foncièrecommerçante” announced on February 9, Mercialys proceeded to a first exceptional distribution, of which €532 million was received by Casino on April 20.

In total, Casino has therefore already received €670 million of its announced gross cash inflow target of €800 to €900 million and is continuing to strengthen its financial flexibility.

The Group is reaffirming its dual value-creativebusiness model and will remain a key partner of Mercialys, in which it now holds a 40.2% stake.

PRESS CONTACTS
Casino Group
Thierry Orsoni
torsoni@groupe-casino.fr
+33 1 53 65 64 38

Image 7
Leslie Jung
ljung@image7.uk.com
+44 7818 641 803

ANALYST AND INVESTOR CONTACTS
Régine GAGGIOLI
rgaggioli@groupe-casino.fr
+33 (0)1 53 65 64 17

or
IR_Casino@groupe-casino.fr
+33 1 53 65 64 18

About Casino
The Casino Group is one of the leading food retailers in the world. In addition to its 9,500 outlets in France, the group has another 2,200 stores, mainly in Latin America (Brazil and Colombia) and South East Asia (Thailand and Vietnam), which account for 45% of its sales. In 2011, Casino had consolidated sales of €34.4 billion. It employs 230,000 people around the world.

About Mercialys
Mercialys, one of France’s leading real estate companies, is solely active in commercial property. Rental revenue in 2011 came to Euro 161 million and net income, Group share, to Euro 147 million. It owns 120 properties with an estimated value of Euro 2.6 billion (including transfer taxes) at December 31, 2011. Mercialys has benefited from “SIIC” tax status (REIT) since November 1, 2005.
Press contact

For any press request relating to the Casino Group and its brands: Casino, Monoprix, Vival, Spar, Naturalia and Franprix

 

Group Communication Department
directiondelacommunication@groupe-casino.fr
(+33) 1 53 65 24 29