South Africa’s competition watchdog has approved the retailer’s acquisition of a 34-store liquor chain.
The Competition Commission has approved Shoprite’s acquisition of PicardiRebel, a chain of 34 stores, including one wholesaler. The Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the proposed transaction with conditions. In particular, Shoprite will need to commit capital towards refurbishing PicardiRebel stores by a predetermined date.
PicardiRebel has operated in South Africa for roughly 45 years. Following the acquisition, the chain will be integrated into Shoprite’s liquor business, which operates under the Checkers LiquorShop brand. Shoprite operates approximately 2,577 stores in the country, with 352 being Checkers Liquorshops. In the last financial year, Checkers LiquorShop reported sales growth of roughly 14.5%, to R8.3 billion. The group opened 40 new stores in this division during the year.
Shoprite continues to expand its footprint. In its 2026 financial results, the group said it planned on continuing its expansion, with 211 confirmed new outlets in the new year. The acquisition of PicardiRebel is one of several deals that the company has undertaken or plans to undertake in the near future.
Shoprite recently announced that it had agreed to purchase Vida e Caffè, one of South Africa’s largest and fastest-growing coffee shop brands. The company was founded roughly 25 years ago in Cape Town and has since grown into a major chain with approximately 400 stores. Shoprite expects the acquisition to expand its presence in the coffee shop and quick service restaurant market. The acquisition is currently pending regulatory approval from the Competition Commission, with the deal expected to be completed in the 2027 financial year.
Another deal involves R&A Cellular, a South African technology and payments company. Shoprite acquired a majority stake in the company. The group expects the acquisition to expand its financial services strategy for informal and semi-formal retailers. R&A Cellular’s device network enables such retailers to provide customers with access to financial services and other essential everyday services.
The acquisitions of PicardiRebel, Vida e Caffè and R&A Cellular expand Shoprite’s business beyond traditional grocery retail. At the same time, the group continues to open new stores across South Africa.
Source: Business Tech
