The company Autogrill S.p.A. was merged into the company World Duty Free S.r.l. effective as from November 1st, 2023 . At the same time, the company World Duty Free S.r.l. was transformed into a joint-stock company with the name World Duty Free S.p.A..
The acquisition enacted the decision of the Group to carry its internationalization process beyond the bounds of its albeit significant expansion in Europe and to simultaneously start a strategy of diversification into airport business.
On the same date World Duty Free S.p.A.. ordinary shares started trading on the Mercato Telematico Azionario (electronic stock market) organized and operated by Borsa Italiana S.p.A.
The purpose of the demerger is pre-eminently industrial. The formation of two distinct groups focused on their respective Food & Beverage and Travel Retail & Duty Free businesses will enable each of them to more effectively pursue its development strategies and to improve the performance by leveraging its own particular strengths.
On 11th June 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 16,005,994 shares in Alpha Group held by Servair S.A. (Air France Group) plus another 18,668,531 all at 110 pence per share, in cash, totalling 109,824,908 shares, or 62.4% of the stock of the UK company. Further operations raised Autogrill’s interest to 65.5%. On 2nd July 2007, the Company has posted the Offer Document containing the full terms and conditions of the cash takeover bid for the outstanding share capital of Alpha at 110 pence per share.
It operates in seven of the country’s most important airports, including Heathrow (63 million passengers), the world’s third busiest international hub.
58 stores with an overall area of around 15,000 square metres.
Over 13,000 articles sold, 62 million customers and around 1,900 employees.