Giant-Carlisle, a division of Ahold USA, has entered into an agreement with Virginia based Ukrop’s Super Markets, to acquire 25 stores.

• The deal valued at approximately USD 140 million, will include Ahold taking over the inventory, equipment, and lease agreements of the 25 stores along with one new store location.
• As per the terms, Giant Carlisle will retain the existing Ukrop's store associates.
• The deal subject to approvals is expected to conclude during the first quarter of 2010.

Giant-PA currently consists of 150 stores across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Kesa plans to reduce the Menaje del Hogar total store network to 49 outlets and rebanner stores to Darty, starting from January 2010.

• It has already closed 14 stores in 2009 and plans to close another four in January 2010.
• Under the restructuring programme at Menaje del Hogar, 29 stores have been relayed with improved product ranges and better in-store merchandising.
• Kesa acquired Menaje del Hogar, which has 54 stores in Spain and eight in Portugal in September 2007.

In Spain, Mercadona will invest EUR300 million in the construction of a new automated warehouse in Abrera (Barcelona).

• The work will start during 2010 and is expected to be completed in 2014.
• The facility will have capacity for 75,000 pallets of goods and will be able to supply up to 250 outlets.
• The opening of the new logistics center is part of the expansion strategy of Mercadona and total investment of EUR 700 million in Catalonia during the next five years.
• The chain now has 146 outlets in Catalonia and a market share exceeding 10%.

In the UK, all of Tesco Telecom's products and services have been brought together on the new consumer website, www.tesco.com/phoneshop. Lance Batchelor, Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Telecoms and Tesco Mobile said, "Our new website means you can find everything - mobile phones, mobile broadband, home phone, and our own mobile network Tesco Mobile under one roof. You can research our product range and buy online."

Walmart Brazil has stated that it plans to boost investment by 40% in 2010. Walmart says it will invest BRL 2.0-2.2 billion (roughly USD 1.1 billion) into the country in 2010. The company claims that this will translate into roughly 100 stores next year.