Walmart Mexico and Central America agreed to acquire the supermarkets of Gessa Corportate Group in Costa Rica, which include, Perimercardos, Super Compro and Saretto.

Walmart presented the request for authorization of the purchase to the Commission for the Promotion of the Competition (COPROCOM) and the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC).

COPROCOM has 30 days to decide, although the process could extend if additional information is needed.

If the request is approved, a total of 52 supermarkets will be absorbed by Walmart and will begin an integration process to be operated under their standards and brand. Walmart will also take on over 1300 employees currently working with Gessa.

“The combined operations of the Walmart and Gessa supermarkets would generate and excellent complement to better serve the Costa Rican market. In this way, Walmart strengthens the growth in the region and the current stores and collaborators of Gessa will be able to offer more value to their clients”, stated Cristian Barrientos Pozo, Senior Vice-President and General Director of Walmart in Central America.

In the press release, Barrietos also highlights that both Walmart and Gessa share solid business principals such as integrity, respect, customer service and the search for excellence.

Walmart currently handles in Costa Rica 11 Walmart stores, 36 Mas x Menos, 40 Maxi Palí and 163 Palí.