Shoprite is set to expand its presence in South Africa’s liquor market after the Competition Commission recommended approval of its acquisition of PicardiRebel, subject to conditions.
PicardiRebel operates 34 liquor outlets, including one wholesale store, across South Africa. The chain has been operating for about 45 years and has an established presence in several major markets.
As part of the proposed deal, Shoprite will be required to invest in refurbishing PicardiRebel’s liquor stores within a specified period after the transaction is implemented.
The Competition Commission said its investigation found that the acquisition was unlikely to substantially reduce competition in any relevant market.
The deal would add PicardiRebel to Shoprite’s existing liquor operations, which include 352 Checkers LiquorShop stores. The retailer operates about 2,577 stores across South Africa.
Shoprite’s liquor business recorded sales growth of around 14.5% in its latest financial year, generating R8.3 billion in revenue. The group also opened 40 new liquor stores during the period.
Shoprite Continues Acquisition Drive
The PicardiRebel deal is part of a wider expansion strategy by Shoprite.
The group has also agreed to acquire coffee chain Vida e Caffè, which has about 400 stores. That transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed during the 2027 financial year.
Shoprite has also acquired a majority stake in technology and payments company R&A Cellular, supporting its plans to expand financial services through informal and semi-formal retailers.
With new acquisitions alongside hundreds of planned store openings, Shoprite continues to broaden its retail, food service and financial services footprint across South Africa.
Main Image: Business Tech
