Valora is an economically robust, independent trading company operating on a Europe-wide scale

2010 was the decisive year for the «Valora 4 Success» fundamental strategy programme, which the Group initiated in 2008 for scheduled completion in 2012.
A number of major milestones were reached and some 80 percent of the objectives the programme set out to achieve have now been accomplished. The Group’s «Valora 4 Growth» strategy was unveiled in November 2010. It is based on organic margin and revenue growth in all areas and on acquisition-led expansion at Retail/Services and Trade. By 2015, the strategy’s objective is to raise Group external sales to some CHF 4.8 billion and to double its operating profit to CHF 160 – 180 million.

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.

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.

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 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.

Mattress business sold, expansion.
Kiosk and press wholesaling expanded, initially to Germany, then Luxembourg and Austria.

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.

Activities are streamlined.
Divisions cut from 5 to 3 - Kiosk, Alimarca and Slumberland. Selecta sold.

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.

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.

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.

Non-food activities commence.
Merkur acquires Bico, Switzerland’s leading mattress manufacturer.

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.

Diversification.
Numerous acquisitions in and outside Switzerland transform the face of the Group over subsequent decades.

Rapid early development.
Merkur AG expands it network to 130 outlets and acquires “Schweizerische Kafferöstereien”, a coffee roasting company.

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.