Tension at the top of Metro Group, the world’s fourth-largest retailer, made the headlines this week, with the future of CEO Dr Eckhard Cordes in doubt. Across the Atlantic, Sara Lee was rocked by the departure of senior executive CJ Fraleigh. In the US, ConAgra Foods told takeover target Ralcorp Holdings it had days to being talks on its US$5.2bn bid, while in the UK, Marks and Spencer showcased its new-look food halls as part of a GBP600m (US$948m) revamp of its stores.
GERMANY: Metro CEO Cordes “optimistic” of contract extension
Metro Group CEO Dr Eckhard Cordes wants to extend his contract to lead the German retail giant, despite a lack of support from key shareholder Haniel.
Go deeper with GlobalData
US: Sara Lee North America chief Fraleigh quits
Sara Lee has today (12 September) confirmed that the CEO of its North America operations, CJ Fraleigh, has resigned from the company.
US: ConAgra puts deadline on Ralcorp takeover bid
ConAgra Foods has given takeover target Ralcorp Holdings until Monday (19 September) to hold talks on its US$5.2bn bid or it will walk away from the table.
UK: M&S emphasises “speciality” with food revamp
The planned revamp of Marks and Spencer’s food halls will highlight the UK retailer’s aim to offer consumers more “speciality”, its chief executive said today (13 September).
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