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The United States' biggest electronics retailer, Best Buy Co. Inc.,
announced today its decision to invest $2.1 billion for a joint venture with
Carphone Warehouse Group Plc.
The deal will include all of Carphone Warehouse’s 2,400
retail stores found in nine European countries. Also mentioned in the contract
are the web and direct businesses of the company, its insurance operations and
its airtime reselling businesses.
"It is clear that we have very complementary cultures,
skills and assets — it's a perfect match," said Charles Dunstone, chief
executive officer of The Carphone Warehouse, according to the AP. He also
added: "It is also clear that we have a significant opportunity for
incremental growth in our retail business which we can best realize with Best
Buy on board."
Carphone Warehouse will also continue its activity as a
single player in the United Kingdom with its fixed line telecoms business. The
group includes TalkTalk, AOL Broadband and Opal.
"We believe our combined expertise has potential to
result in significant financial upside as we together attempt to transform
retail in Europe through the Carphone Warehouse, Phone House and Best Buy
brands," said Brian Dunn, president and chief operating officer, according
to the Associated Press.
For now, Best Buy sells electronics, entertainment software
and home-office products in China, Canada and in the United States. Europe has
been in the company’s target for a long time and this seemed the best opportunity
to make it happen.
The two companies have
experienced some minor share falls this year, Best Buy with 17 percent and Carphone
Warehouse with 13 percent and their venture is expected to bring a major
financial boost in the long run.
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