Chilean Supermarket Chain Joins Forces with Major Latin American Pharmacy
SANTIAGO, Chile -- D&S, Chile's largest supermarket chain, and Farmacias Ahumada S.A. (FASA), the largest pharmacy chain in Latin America, last week entered into a strategic alliance by which Farmalider stores will be operated by FASA under its own trade name. As part of the deal, the PRESTO credit card, owned by D&S, will be used as means of payment in all FASA stores throughout the country.
The agreement also considers the presence of FASA stores in all LIDER supermarkets and hypermarkets that D&S may open in the future.
According to D&S's c.e.o., Enrique Ostale, this alliance reflects D&S's strategy, which is centered on growth and productivity, allowing the company to strengthen its focus on the food retail, financial services, and real estate businesses.
"FASA is a specialist in the pharmaceutical business in the same way that LIDER is specialized in food retail and PRESTO in financial services," Ostale said in a statement. "When we are 100 percent focused on our core business, we are able to maximize profitability. This is why we are certain that this strategic alliance will be of great benefit both to the participant companies as well as for consumers, making their lives easier by providing access to a broad, high-quality product assortment, all in one place."
FASA will operate the 70 Farmalider stores currently open to customers. According to the terms of this strategic alliance, all Farmalider associates should keep their jobs.
The use of PRESTO, with 1.6 million cardholders in good standing, will be promoted by the pharmacy chain throughout the country.
The agreement also considers the presence of FASA stores in all LIDER supermarkets and hypermarkets that D&S may open in the future.
According to D&S's c.e.o., Enrique Ostale, this alliance reflects D&S's strategy, which is centered on growth and productivity, allowing the company to strengthen its focus on the food retail, financial services, and real estate businesses.
"FASA is a specialist in the pharmaceutical business in the same way that LIDER is specialized in food retail and PRESTO in financial services," Ostale said in a statement. "When we are 100 percent focused on our core business, we are able to maximize profitability. This is why we are certain that this strategic alliance will be of great benefit both to the participant companies as well as for consumers, making their lives easier by providing access to a broad, high-quality product assortment, all in one place."
FASA will operate the 70 Farmalider stores currently open to customers. According to the terms of this strategic alliance, all Farmalider associates should keep their jobs.
The use of PRESTO, with 1.6 million cardholders in good standing, will be promoted by the pharmacy chain throughout the country.