An independent path

Headquartered in Austria, 3e Handels- und Dienstleistungs AG is continuing to go its own independent way as the leading specialist retail cooperative for the categories of tools and hardware within central and eastern Europe. Its former partner Hagebau is handing over the management of its DIY business to Zeus, its German cooperative partner.
"3e will continue to go its own independent way," Dr Günther Pacher, chairman of 3e, is quoted as saying in a press report, "Our aim is to become the leading cooperative retailer of tools and hardware within central and eastern Europe from our headquarters in Austria." The ending of the collaboration with Hagebau will result in advantages for 3e's members in future through the group's unique position in the field of own-label products.
An approach was made to 3e regarding the possible outsourcing of part of its functions to Zeus on a similar model. As the press report continues, both executive and supervisory boards analysed the proposed models in detail before coming to the conclusion that such a collaboration would not be in accordance with the wishes of the 3e members.