Compiling a report that illustrated how to structure the Wal-Mart SME fund was never going to be an easy job. And dare I say no-one envied the three men appointed to do it. Especially since they didn't really see eye to eye in the first place, with two of them being anti- and one pro- the merger. Nevertheless, it had to be done and three months later, the court-commissioned report, or should I say "reports", have been completed... In property news, African investment offers key property returns; and the upcoming IDP Investment Conference in Cape Town looks to offer insight into future opportunities. Meanwhile, shopping centres are popping up all over the countryside; and the Synergy Income Fund has done some shopping of its own. Celebrating outstanding design in the retail property industry, the RDDA's are still open for entries. In research and indices, the CPI is back within SARB's target band; income for the food and beverage industry during April is up; the current account deficit has widened; and the Food Security Index is looking to give local farmers a nudge in the right direction. With winter solstice having come and gone, here's looking forward to a little more sunshine!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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