As of 1 January 2021, SPAR Switzerland is to acquire 60 AVIA forecourt stores from Store Service AG. This acquisition will allow SPAR to expand its position in Switzerland’s growing forecourt business considerably. SPAR Switzerland currently has successful SPAR Express convenience stores at 16 AVIA petrol stations throughout the country.

The 60 petrol stations belong to Store Service Holding AG, which is owned by various AVIA member companies. Based in Frauenfeld, Store Service AG was founded in 2000. The company employs about 550 staff members in the German and French-speaking parts of Switzerland.

SPAR Switzerland is set to acquire the entire block of shares on 1 January 2021 (subject to the approval of the Swiss Competition Commission WEKO). The company plans to continue to operate all 60 forecourt stores, thereby securing all existing jobs.

Successful collaboration
SPAR first started to collaborate with AVIA, the largest forecourt operator in Switzerland, in 2012.

“The SPAR Group can look back on a long-standing, excellent cooperation with AVIA. We are very pleased to deepen the partnership through the acquisition of 60 additional forecourt stores”, said SPAR Switzerland CEO Rob Philipson.

“Today’s forecourt stores offer customers much more than just fuel and an expanded kiosk range. They have developed into actual convenience shops with a significant range of fresh food and takeaway food. In the forecourt segment, we are also constantly adapting to changing purchasing needs of consumers, and we receive positive feedback every day. This encourages us to continue on the path we have chosen”, added Rob Philipson.

“We consider ourselves lucky to have found the ideal partner for the future of our forecourt stores in SPAR”, commented Thomas Hill, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Store Service Holding AG.

Source: SPAR Switzerland

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About SPAR Switzerland

SPAR Switzerland has undergone several changes since being founded in 1989. In 2000, the family-owned business was transformed into a holding company with three operating companies: SPAR Handels AG, TopCC AG and SPAR Management AG. The business grew further, combining corporate and independently owned stores, spanning forecourt retailing to large supermarkets.

In early 2016, SPAR Switzerland announced the sale of 60% of shares to SPAR South Africa. The existing management team and shareholders remain involved in the business.