Famous Brands has acquired 100% of the UK's Gourmet Burger Kitchen for £120m (approximately R2.1bn), marking "the biggest deal the group has ever concluded and one which will transform the future of the business", says Kevin Hedderwick, the company's group strategic advisor responsible for M&A activity. Speaking of the future of business, this year's FNB Franchising Leadership Summit was about disruptive innovations, the key takeaway being: if you don't disrupt yourself, someone else will disrupt you. Go to our #Innovation Month special section to learn from people that are getting this right. Sarah Collins of Wonderbag launched the Coalition of Action, using the product as a catalyst to unite communities and leaders across the globe to address many of the world's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and collaborate to end poverty by bringing a total solution of a better life to women in the rural world, connecting brands with data, lifestyle and prosperity. Then for a more light-hearted take on how to find a 'right fit' between you and your business partner, Andrea Kleinloog, co-founder of Anatomy Design shares her and Megan Hesse' experience at the Johannesburg version of Business of Design. It's pretty much like being married 9-5. "Sometimes you need to go on a date, sometimes the two of you need to go for dinner and remember why you are doing this," she says. Anatomy Design opened its bespoke retail experience at the new Trumpet building at 19 Keyes Avenue in Rosebank on 1 September, corresponding with First Thursdays, and alongside galleries, restaurants from American fast casual-inspired BGR to David Higgs' live-fire restaurant, Marble, and other high-concept design stores. The building was developed by Anton Taljaard as a lifestyle hub. "Trumpet might well become the place for Johannesburgers to get a taste of Cape Town style without having to fly across the country and ferret around in Woodstock," reports The Times. Watch this space...
Jessica Tennant, Retail Editor (@Biz_Retail)
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