South Africa Approves Walmart Bid for Massmart
South African regulators have approved Walmarts $2.4 billion bid for a controlling stake in local retailer Massmart.
As part of the approval, South Africas Competition Tribunal said the merged companies cannot cut jobs at Massmart for two years. They also must honor Massmarts existing labor agreements for at least three years.
Walmart is based in the United States and is the worlds largest retailer, operating more than 8,000 stores.
Walmart and Massmart have promised to invest $15 million over three years to develop South African supply companies.
Some government and union leaders expressed concern that Walmart could bring an influx of cheap products, hurt local jobs and squeeze out local suppliers.
Walmarts bid for Massmart is seen as a bid to tap into Africas emerging markets.
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