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Old, Pointless,
Insular event?
OPI Europe Forum agenda:
'Network party on Titanic'?
As usual OPI Forum has assembled an impressive cast of speakers in London. However, the agenda should be a concern, given there is no space allocated for progressive exponent, case studies in the broadline market of hygiene, foodservice, hospitality, packaging and medical supplies. It feels like a networking 'Party on the Titanic' rather than a 'Reinvention Roadmap'? Full preview analysis here, first...updated
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Antalis acquires
OptiGroup's paper
Largest & 15th rollup raises
questions abt exit strategies?
Leading European paper and packaging merchant Antalis has agreed to acquire OptiGroup’s Papyrus paper-distribution operations across ten European markets. Is this consolidation a distraction from the market demand decline or a diversion from the organic revenue demise and exit strategies of both businesses. Full story here, first...
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K-C coo wakes up
smells the Coffee
From Kenvue major merger
integration to another Peet's
Keurig Dr Pepper named Kimberly-Clark executive Russ Torres as ceo of its new $14Bn coffee combo Keurig & Peets which plans to go public next year. As a result K-C has reshuffled its leadership with executives promoted internally to integrate the planned Kenvue acquisition,$15Bn in revenues. Full story here, first...
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F A I R Y Tale of NY
Wall St's AI Bubble?
"Huge gap: $1Tn+ investment
v leaders' low revenues & ROI"
Tech leaders have invested about $1.5Tn in AI infrastructure mania...see Mark Zuckerberg's risky tax avoidance story here too. Leaders have spent more IT capital than ever. "The huge gap between CapEx and end user future revenue is not sustainable" opines Elevation's Roger McNamee. Full story here, first...updated
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Will loser CloseBros,
close on EVO loan?
Restructuring cost cutter bank
may quit invoice fund facility?
Close Brothers the loss making bank hit by the motor finance scandal just published accounts to 31Jul'26. It's proclaiming restructuring, redundancy, slashing headcount as heavy losses continue. Given it is the primary source of funding for the lossmaking EVO Business Supplies group, will it decide to withdraw its facility? Full story here, first...
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Network honors
Top Performers
Annual Awards for growth,
in contracts & partnerships
Network Distribution the leading international group of hygiene, foodservice and packaging providers honored members for outstanding achievements during its Annual Meeting in Charleston, SC. CEO Alan Tomblin said "honorees distinguished themselves, we are proud to celebrate their achievements”. Full story here, first...
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EVOcative fears
of failure inflame
Narrowline. Bad svc levels.
No investment.17yrs losses
EVO Group the management owned OP distributor (inc.VOW, Banner, Staples, Complete, Exertis) reported 2025 financials 6mos later than usual. After 17yrs of decline: core sales halved, zero profits, poor service levels, little range development; the BIG persistent question is: how long will 'vulture' lenders tolerate poor performance from ceo Andrew Gale's team? Full analysis here, first...
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Walmart's dynamic
price deceit denial?
CEO dispels digital shelf labels
used to charge shopper more
Walmart ceo John Furner is attempting to dispel pricing concerns about digital shelf labels and Sparky, but some say a patent leaves the door open. “We don’t set different prices based on who you are or the time of day, and we won’t" he stated. Full story here, first....
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M a r c o makes
Open tech move
Provides cybersecurity aid
dev't of WALM framework
Leading US managed tech services provider Marco has joined Open Interoperability Technologies (OIT) supporting its Workplace Asset Lifecycle Management (WALM) framework. CEO Brian Wyatt said “Interoperability can't be separated from cybersecurity as we become increasingly connected across devices, networks, cloud, apps and AI" Full story here, first...
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Graham Cundick,
Viking legend dies...
Top international merchant
Helford #1 brand developer
Really sad and tragic news. Graham Cundick the master merchandizer was Viking legend Irwin Helford's first international executive appointment back in 1990. For 8yrs he led the UK, European & Australian expansion building sales way beyond US revenues. We pay tribute to Graham, along with industry leaders and friends who last met with him for dinner in July...Updated daily
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C o s t c o comps
continued strong
Traffic +3.3%.Prices +5.9%
Sales double v norm 2019
Costco the $300Bn+ international home & business reseller, maintained strong growth in Q4'26 "Store traffic was steady with much higher average ticket values" said ceo Ron Vachris. Moreover, its improved logistics "drove lower cost and faster service". Report analysis here, first...
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