In order to increase its contact with tableware customers, Arc International said 30 April 2004 that it was planning to purchase the four French distribution companies which form the FLIBA group.
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In order to increase its contact with tableware customers, Arc International said 30 April 2004 that it was planning to purchase the four French distribution companies which form the FLIBA group. Founded in 1961, FLIBA group is a significant player in the French retail market, especially supermarkets and hypermarkets. It is the main distributor of Arc International in the retail market. FLIBA consists of four distribution companies: Callens-Lesage (in the French Nord Department); Piffaut (in the Sane et Loire Department); Roche-Fortun (in the Deux Svres Department), Vachaud Distribution (in the Gard Department) Along with their wholesale business, the four companies also have sound expertise in the areas of marketing, design and new products. With a total staff of 649 employees, they achieved a turnover of USD 218 million in 2002. In the context of the difficulties Arc International is currently experiencing (bad results in 2003, budget restrictions and weakened turnover) the acquisition of the four companies would complement its distribution network and therefore contribute to securing the future of the Arques site. Prior to its implementation, the project is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities. Arc International said the acquisition would allow it to: benefit from the skills and expertise of the four French distributors; move closer to its clients (department stores, specialty stores, hyper and super markets) in order to provide better quality of service; reinforce its presence in the tableware segments (such as kitchenware, ceramics and cutlery) where the four companies are particularly active; and, finally, understand better the needs of customers. By joining Arc International the four members of the FLIBA group would join a growth orientated dynamic which would lead to further development.