EK and Euretco in talks

The German group purchasing organisation EK-Servicegroup has confirmed that it is in talks with the Dutch multisector retail service organisation Euretco. A spokesperson for EK declined to comment on reports in the Dutch press regarding any EK interest in a takeover. The two organisations have been cooperating since 2014 in the merchandise business of the respective private fashion labels that retailers in the other group in each case can utilise. “A more far-reaching operation is possible, but no definite decision has been taken yet,” said the spokesperson.In 2014, Euretco acquired the Dutch DGN Group, which is active in DIY retailing with the Hubo, Multimate and Fixet brands. The EK-Servicegroup does not have any DIY stores of its own, but it has areas that overlap with the DIY store sector via ranges such as garden furniture and decoration, household goods and home textiles.