Valora Retail appoints Hanspeter Büchler to lead its press and books distribution channel in Switzerland

Hanspeter Büchler, until recently CEO of Switzerland’s leading bookseller Thalia, will be joining Valora Retail with effect from January 1, 2009. In his new leadership role, he will be responsible for the further development and expansion of the press and books side of Valora Retail. Emphasis will be placed both on the significant potential synergies which Valora’s existing outlet network can provide as well as on further expanding Valora’s press and books operations.

The press and books market is of great strategic importance to Valora, as is also underscored by the Group’s purchase of 19 outlets from Konrad Wittwer GmbH announced on November 19, 2008. Following that acquisition, Valora Retail’s “k presse + buch” format will prominently present at major railway stations in all 16 German Federal states. The 190 outlets Valora Retail will now soon be operating in stations, airports, shopping centres, department stores and retail parks throughout Germany have secured it a leading position in the German market. Valora will also build up its press and book operations in Switzerland.