Globus: Central Group apparently not interested in all stores
The NZZ reports today that the operational future of the Globus department stores has most likely been clarified. As far as the real estate is concerned, the Central Group is only targeting the flagship, according to consistent reports.
The Thai Central Group, joint venture partner of the insolvent Signa Group in the Swiss Globus department stores, is apparently only interested in taking over the Zurich Globus property on Bahnhofstrasse. This was reported by the "Sonntagszeitung" in the Signa Prime Selection restructuring report from mid-July. According to the "Neuem Zürcher Zeitung", which has since also quoted from the paper, the sale of the Schweizergasse 11 property in Zurich to the Thais is also quite concrete. The other four Swiss Globus stores are apparently to be sold elsewhere. A sale is currently being prepared for the Globus store in Bern, for example, writes the Sonntagszeitung. Informal talks are being held for the smaller properties. The Globus department store in Basel, on the other hand, which is currently being completely renovated, is not to be sold until after its planned completion in 2026.
Half of the Globus properties are owned by companies of the Signa Group and half by the Central Group. As part of the sale of the Signa companies, a buyer is now being sought for their 50 percent share.
Sale of the operating company next week?
As the NZZ reports today, the future of Globus' operations has practically been settled. The purchase of the department store company by the Central Group is on the home straight. The newspaper cites insiders who expect the deal to be signed as early as next week. The Thai company is also involved in the Globus operating company with 50 %. If everything goes as expected, the nine department stores will continue to be operated "in the current style". (aw)
