Spar South Africa's Zimbabwean subsidiary is to be expanded following a tie-up with leading Zimbabwean food and leisure group Innscor. Under the deal, Innscor will take control of the Spar distribution centre in the capital Harare and a 65% shareholding in Spar Zimbabwe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Spar South Africa. Spar South Africa will retain a 35% share. Spar South Africa managing director Peter Hughes said: "Spar will retain its strong brand name, identity and management team, while using the synergies of Innscor's vast knowledge and expertise in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa to drive growth." The majority of the 53 stores trading under the Spar fascia in Zimbabwe are owned by independent retailers, although two company owned stores have opened in the last year and more are in the pipeline. Spar Zimbabwe national advertising manager Tina Martin said she hoped the deal would demonstrate Spar's commitment to the country, despite the recent troubles, and provide a platform for growth. "Innscor has already been an immense help in providing us with oil despite the shortages over here," said Martin. "It has also allowed us to use its storage facilities. The deal also means we have increased Zimbabwean ownership in the company, which has to be a good thing." Five new stores will open this year, two of which will be larger company owned sites. An Innscor spokeswoman said a cash injection into Spar Zimbabwe would be spent on development and expansion while the deal would also greatly enhance the buying power of the group. Spar will also be able to utilise Innscor's Zimbabwean distribution network. l Spar Hungary has announced ambitious new plans to open 10 supermarkets a year. It currently operates 96 supermarkets and 14 Interspar hypermarkets in the country. {{NEWS }}

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