Press release from the Competition Council regarding the concentration project involving the acquisition by the company “Financial Holding of Participations and Investments” (FIPAR-Holding) and “International Financial Corporation” (IFC) of joint control of the company “Retail Holding SA”, alongside the companies “Best Financial” and “Sanam Holding” (VCR Logistics SARL).

In accordance with Article 13 of Law 104-12 on freedom of prices and competition and Article 10 of Decree No. 2-14-652 adopted for its implementation as amended and supplemented, the Competition Council makes available to the public the following “operation summary” containing the information provided by the parties.

This information has been prepared by the notifying parties, who are solely responsible. Any inaccurate or distorted information contained therein does not in any way prejudge the Competition Council’s position on the proposed operation.

The publication of this press release does not attest to the completeness of the file provided for in Article 9 of Decree No. 2-14-652 adopted for the implementation of Law 104-12 on freedom of prices and competition as amended and supplemented.

Names of the companies and groups concerned:

• The acquirers:
  • The company “Financial Holding of Participations and Investments” (FIPAR-Holding).
  • “International Financial Corporation”.
• The target: The company “Retail Holding SA”.

Nature of the operation

-Joint control acquisition alongside the companies “Best Financial” and “Sanam Holding” (VCR Logistics SARL).

Economic sectors concerned

– Wholesale and retail trade of consumer goods (food and non-food products).

Deadline for interested third parties to submit their observations

– 10 days from the date of publication of this press release, i.e., May 20, 2024.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL SUMMARY OF THE OPERATION PROVIDED BY THE PARTIES

The Competition Council has received notification of a concentration project involving the acquisition by the company “Financial Holding of Participations and Investments” (FIPAR-Holding) and “International Financial Corporation” (IFC) of joint control of the company “Retail Holding SA” alongside the companies “Best Financial” and “Sanam Holding” (VCR Logistics SARL).

“Fipar-Holding”, a Moroccan joint stock company, is a generalist investment fund owned 100% by CDG Invest. Through this notified operation, Fipar-Holding plans to acquire 12.03% of the share capital and voting rights of “Retail Holding SA”.

“IFC”, a member of the World Bank Group, is the leading development institution focused on the private sector in emerging countries. It operates in over a hundred countries, dedicating its capital, expertise, and influence to creating markets and opportunities in developing countries.

Through this notified operation, IFC plans to acquire 7.05% of the share capital and voting rights of “Retail Holding SA”.

“Retail Holding SA” is a company whose main purpose is to directly or indirectly participate in other companies. Its headquarters are located in Rabat. The subsidiaries of “Retail Holding” are mainly present in Casablanca and Rabat, as well as in France and Ivory Coast. The main activities of its subsidiaries include the purchase and sale of consumer goods, particularly food and non-food products.

Done in Rabat on May 2, 2024.