The Walmart effect

[Delegates attending this one-day conference are invited to stay and attend the forum that evening (18:00-19:30) with Grant Pattison, CEO of Massmart.]

The proposed Walmart and Massmart deal has the potential to significantly impact the South African and African retail, distribution, agricultural, manufacturing and marketing industries, as well as labour and consumers. This interactive one-day conference will include leading industry speakers debating Walmart's Mexican experiences and the key decisions facing their proposed local operations, partners and competitors.

Walmart serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 8,692 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2010 sales of $405 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide, and is looking to expand its global operations by entering the African market for the first time.

Despite its initial takeover bid for South African retailer Massmart of $4 billion being scaled back due to shareholder resistance, a reduced stake would still make Walmart the first major international retailer in South Africa.

There can be no doubt that this deal will affect the retail sector, the economy in general, workers and consumers, as well as the agricultural industry, local manufacturing and food processing suppliers.

Confirmed speakers exploring the challenges and opportunities of Walmart's penetration of the South African market will include:

-Hilton Mer, Executive Chairman: Stuttafords Internal Fashion Company and Stuttafords Stores;
-Tim Hedges, CEO: Incolabs;
-Susan Mawer, Director: InKNOWvation Solutions;
-Michael Goldman, senior lecturer: GIBS and
-Nicola Kleyn, senior lecturer: GIBS

To register for this event please book on our website: www.gibs.co.za/conferences

Date: 15 February 2011
Venue: GIBS, 26 Melville Road, Illovo, Sandton
Cost: R3500 per delegate