South Africa–based Mr Price Group Limited is pushing ahead with its expansion in Europe. The Group has signed an agreement to acquire NKD Group from private equity owner TDR Capital, with completion of the transaction pending customary regulatory approvals.
Mr Price Group, a leading fashion-value retailer with a 40-year legacy and more than 3,100 stores across Africa, sees NKD as a natural extension of its international ambitions. “NKD is a great fit for our growth strategy,” says Mark Blair, CEO of Mr Price Group:
“With strong digital capabilities and a clear value-for-money positioning, NKD is ideally placed to expand its omni-channel business.”
NKD’s Growth Story
Under TDR Capital’s seven-year ownership, NKD has undergone a remarkable transformation. The company strengthened its value-textile discounter positioning through product and supply chain optimisation and a targeted expansion of its 2,200-store network. At the same time, NKD embedded data science across planning, allocation, pricing and omni-channel operations.
NKD CEO Alexander Schmökel highlights the alignment between the two companies:
“With a clear vision and strong commitment, we can sustainably expand our market position in Europe. Together, we will rigorously execute our growth plans.”
Europe-wide Expansion Ahead
NKD’s future plans are ambitious. The company aims to expand its footprint to 3,000 stores in the medium term and ultimately reach 4,000 locations across Europe. With its flexible store model, data-driven operating platform and a new owner with deep retail expertise, NKD is poised for a new phase of growht.
For TDR Capital, the transaction marks the culmination of a period of scale, innovation and strong performance. As TDR Capital partner Jonathan Rosen notes, “Mr Price Group is the ideal long-term home for NKD.”
