Pick n Pay Proposes Acquisition of NTS Holdings in Botswana. South Africa’s retail giant, Pick n Pay Retailers (PnP Retailers), has submitted a notification to the Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA) regarding its proposed acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital in NTS Holdings Proprietary Limited, a leading retail company based in Botswana.
The merger notification, submitted in accordance with the Competition Act 2018, outlines PnP Retailers’ intention to fully acquire NTS Holdings. The latter has been operating in Botswana since 2009, initially launching with just two supermarkets and expanding to 13 stores along with six Pick n Pay branded liquor stores. NTS Holdings owns subsidiaries like Nexgen Solutions, Foods Club, Save N Shop, Ellena Stores, Hurlisterns, and King Shoppers, collectively known as the NTS Group. These businesses provide food, grocery, clothing, and general merchandise to customers across Botswana.
Pick n Pay Retailers, part of the larger Pick n Pay Stores Limited (PnP Limited), is a dominant player in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, with over 2,200 stores across eight African countries. While the PnP Group does not directly control any entities in Botswana, it operates 19 stores in the country through franchise arrangements. The acquisition would strengthen its presence in Botswana’s retail sector.
NTS Holdings has been in a long-term agreement with Pick n Pay, managing Pick n Pay-branded franchise stores in Botswana. The transaction would integrate NTS Holdings and its subsidiaries into the PnP Group’s operations, solidifying Pick n Pay’s expansion plans in the region.
The merger is now under review by the Competition and Consumer Authority, and as per Section 50(3) of the Competition Act, any third party may submit relevant information regarding the merger.
