Friday, 30.07.2010, 10:41
Language: DEEN
Company History
2009
Valora is implementing its Valora 4 Success strategy programme. We are pursuing four core initiatives: focusing on our core businesses; generating growth from convenience stores; raising efficiency levels; and strengthening our corporate culture.
2008
In 2007, Valora employed an average of 6 495 staff on a full-time equivalent basis. The Group operates 1 404 retail outlets of its own in 3 European countries and supplies some 60 000 wholesale customers in 10 countries.
2006 / 2007
Restructuring of Kiosk business in Switzerland, Fotolabo activities sold.
Business model based on 3 core activities.
- small - outlet retail
- press & book wholesale
- distribution of branded goods
Business model based on 3 core activities.
- small - outlet retail
- press & book wholesale
- distribution of branded goods
2004
Business restructured and focused on core activities.
Increasing complexity of Group structures prompts Valora to dispose of business areas which are no longer core activities - including the traditional Merkur coffee and specialty store businesses.
New k kiosk styling introduced.
Increasing complexity of Group structures prompts Valora to dispose of business areas which are no longer core activities - including the traditional Merkur coffee and specialty store businesses.
New k kiosk styling introduced.
2001
Mattress business sold, expansion.
Kiosk and press wholesaling expanded, initially to Germany, then Luxembourg and Austria.
1999 / 2000
Press distribution strengthened.
Valora acquires Melisa in Italianspeaking Switzerland, expanding its press distribution activities.
Fotolabo purchased.
Valora acquires Europe’s leading mail order film developer.
Caffè Spettacolo launched.
Valora acquires Melisa in Italianspeaking Switzerland, expanding its press distribution activities.
Fotolabo purchased.
Valora acquires Europe’s leading mail order film developer.
Caffè Spettacolo launched.
1997
Activities are streamlined.
Divisions cut from 5 to 3 - Kiosk, Alimarca and Slumberland. Selecta sold.
1996
New name.
On July 1, 1996, Merkur Holding AG becomes Valora Holding AG. Diversification strategy aims to reduce overall exposure to market volatility and reduce risk borne by investors. Companies with weak profitability replaced with higher margin firms.
1991
Entry into consumer goods business.
The Swiss firm Allimarca AG is acquired, with further trading company purchases thereafter. Acquisition of the Consiva group in 2001 makes Valora Europe’s leading distributor of fast moving consumer goods.
The Swiss firm Allimarca AG is acquired, with further trading company purchases thereafter. Acquisition of the Consiva group in 2001 makes Valora Europe’s leading distributor of fast moving consumer goods.
1990
Entry into kiosk and press wholesaling markets.
The Group acquires both Schmidt Agence and Kiosk AG, whose combined Swiss outlets number 1 500.
1988
Non-food activities commence.
Merkur acquires Bico, Switzerland’s leading mattress manufacturer.
Merkur acquires Bico, Switzerland’s leading mattress manufacturer.
1985
Merkur’s growth phase.
Merkur acquires the Selecta Group, whose activities attain a European dimension over the next 4 years, with operations established in Germany, Sweden and France.
1920
Diversification.
Numerous acquisitions in and outside Switzerland transform the face of the Group over subsequent decades.
1906 - 1919
Rapid early development.
Merkur AG expands it network to 130 outlets and acquires “Schweizerische Kafferöstereien”, a coffee roasting company.
1905
Foundation.
A group of innovative entrepreneurs in Olten establish the „Schweizer Chocoladen & Colonialhaus“, the parent company of Merkur AG and the precursor of today’s Valora.
A group of innovative entrepreneurs in Olten establish the „Schweizer Chocoladen & Colonialhaus“, the parent company of Merkur AG and the precursor of today’s Valora.