[lomonel]

Just got off the phone with somebody that's "inside" the Grupo Ramos and in-touch with what's happening in there...

Turns out that Walmart (NYSE: WMT) had been holding talks to buy out Grupo Ramos "La Sirena" operations, but the latter counter-offered with a partnership instead in the country and Caribbean. The deal of the initial offer was in the tune of USD$ 1 billion, but the counter offer was more appreciated as it meant a re-shuffling of shares between the two under a new corporation.

Walmart then counter offered a deal, which requires that Grupo Ramos extends the "La Sirena" coverage in the country to a consolidated amount of stores with a minimum net sales. A new distribution center with full compatibility of that used by Walmart in their U.S. and P.R. stores.


The number is between 30 and 50 (I can't be exact for biz sake) for the total of stores needed for the Walmart brand to be stamped for all operating stores.

So far Grupo Ramos is beyond the 20th store with more due to open all around the country within the next 3 years...

If you happen to see a lot of similarities in the inside and operations of the new La Sirena stores and the U.S. Walmarts, then it's for this reason...





They're even using the new format of Walmart express stores with a twist in the DR from Grupo Ramos: