As British retail grocer Tesco finalizes plans to divest several of its businesses, one of the units on the auction block, data analyst Dunnhumby, has cemented a joint venture relationship with a large Chinese supermarket chain. Dunnhumby will partner with China Resources Vanguard, which operates 4,000 shops in Hong Kong and mainland China. The partnership will give Dunnhumby access to shopper data in a rapidly-expanding market that includes 20 million Vanguard loyalty card users. It also gives the company an opportunity to work with other retailers. Several industry and private equity buyers have expressed interest in acquiring Dunnhumby’s. Final bids are due in early September.
"Tesco’s Dunnhumby sets up Chinese joint venture", Financial Times, August 28, 2015
Startup food delivery companies backed by big investors like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. have tapped into a vibrant market in China, as diners increasingly choose to order in. The app-based startups are providing stiff competition for struggling KFC and McDonald’s that have for years maintained armies of bike- or motorcycle-riding food couriers. New companies like Ele.me and Meituan Waimai that use mobile apps achieve economies of scale by partnering with thousands of Chinese restaurants and other food outlets. In 2014 the startup bike courier companies delivered $15.7 billion worth of food, a 54 percent increase over 2013, according to one research firm.
"In China, Fast-Food Fight Turns to Delivery", The Wall Street Journal, August 09, 2015
Alibaba Group Holding invested more than $100 million in Shanghai-based luxury online shopping company Mei.com. Part of Alibaba's efforts to expand its luxury business, the move will see Mei.com complementing the Chinese e-commerce giant's current selection of affordable luxury products for local consumers. Also, the move supports Alibaba's efforts to expand the luxury offerings of its online store Tmall.com.
"Alibaba invests $100 mln in luxury-focused Mei.com", Market Watch, July 08, 2015
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The Economist, August 15, 2015
Kantar Worldpanel, July 31, 2015
Global Cosmetics News, July 20, 2015
Business of Fashion, July 12, 2015
McKinsey Global Institute, July 01, 2015
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