South Africa’s SPAR Group is understood to be eyeing the sale of its Swiss and UK retail businesses, as part of a wider strategy to streamline its European portfolio and reduce group debt.

In Switzerland, the group is through to be in talks with potential buyers for its network of over 360 stores, which operate under various banners including SPAR, Eurospar, SPAR Express, Maxi, and TopCC.

Local news agency AWP reported that while discussions are ongoing, no final decision has been made. Major players Coop and Migros are not believed to be involved in the bidding.

The group is seeking a local buyer with retail expertise to support future growth in the Swiss market, which SPAR entered in 2016.

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In its last financial year, SPAR Switzerland saw turnover fall by 6% to CHF 754.2 million (£662m), with net profit down 17%. Early 2025 trading has shown further decline, with turnover down 9% in the first 18 weeks.

A shift in Swiss consumer behaviour, including rising prices and increased cross-border shopping, has impacted SPAR’s market share.

In parallel, the group is said to also be exclusive talks to sell its UK business, Appleby Westward Group (AWG), to an unnamed, UK-based buyer with strong regional experience in the South West. AWG, which services SPAR stores in South West England, contributes 6 billion rand (£250m) to the group’s turnover.

“The group approach has been to engage parties whose interests align with the growth ambitions of the local management teams and retailer partners, and will ensure continuity for employees, suppliers and customers,” SPAR Group said.

SPAR has been scaling back its European operations, having already exited Poland last year. The Swiss business contributes around 16 billion rand (£665m) to group turnover.