The Spar Group has received approval from the Competition Commission to acquire health products provider Aptekor, strengthening its presence in the pharmaceutical sector.

The acquisition, set to be completed through Spar Health-owned M&B, includes Aptekor Sneldiens and Aptekor Wholesale. The Commission recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the deal without conditions, noting it is unlikely to reduce competition or raise significant public interest concerns.

Aptekor is a wholesale pharmaceutical and health product supplier, primarily operating in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, with Aptekor Sneldiens handling internal deliveries. M&B, based in Carletonville, Gauteng, already services pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare professionals, government institutions, and NGOs. The acquisition will expand Spar’s footprint in a market currently dominated by Clicks and Dis-Chem, both of which operate wholesale and retail divisions.

In a recent SENS business update for the 51 weeks ending 19 September 2025, Spar highlighted strong performance in its health division. Spar Health’s wholesale turnover grew 12.8%, while the retail pharmacy network saw 9.4% growth, supported by robust Scriptwise sales.

Spar’s Strategic Refocus

The group is undergoing significant restructuring, particularly in its international operations, as it sharpens focus on South Africa. A strategic review of European assets was announced in 2024 to streamline operations and improve returns.

For the six months ending 28 March 2025, the group reported a R4 billion loss, largely driven by Swiss and UK operations, which recorded combined post-tax losses of R4.4 billion, including impairments of R4.2 billion.

Spar has since sold its Swiss business to Tannenwald Holding for CHF 46.5 million (approx. R1 billion), with potential earn-out payments of up to CHF 30 million (R660 million) based on 2026–2027 performance. The transaction also transferred all Swiss debt to Tannenwald, while Spar paid CHF 31 million (R680 million) in cash. Earlier, the group sold its Polish business to retailer Specjal for R185 million, though recapitalisation had cost R2.7 billion.

Whatsapp