INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS
May 1, 2006 12:00 PM
Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. has acquired The Bear Factory Ltd., a U.K.-based stuffed animal retailer, and Amsbra Ltd., Build-A-Bear Workshop's franchisee in the U.K., giving Build-A-Bear control over its operations. Internationally, Build-A-Bear now operates in Canada, France, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.
Rowan Asset Management acquired The East-West retail portfolio from DIAG, a German investor and asset management company, for $175.5 million. The portfolio includes seven supermarkets and two Burger Kings throughout Germany.
LaSalle Investment Management acquired the As Termas shopping center in Lugo, Spain, from ING subsidiary Promodecio for $121 million. The 490,000-square-foot center opened in October. It is anchored by a hypermarket and four retail warehouses.
California Pizza Kitchen Inc. opened its third location in Hong Kong in late April at The Gala Place in Mongkok, Kowloon. It is the eighth California Pizza Kitchen restaurant opened by California Pizza Kitchen's franchise partner, Golden Pillars.
Wal-Mart's China expansion will take it to Haikou, the capital of the Hainan province in South China. It will be Wal-Mart's 68th project in the country, of which 56 are currently open and 12 are announced or under construction. The Commercial Property Ltd. of Shenzhen International Trust and Investment Co., the Chinese partner of Wal-Mart-SITIC General Merchandise Co., signed an agreement in late April to build the project, which will contain about 494,000 square feet.
The U.K.'s largest supermarket chain, Tesco, will from now on buy cosmetics, auto accessories, toys and other products from Taiwan manufacturers, according to the Tawian External Trade Development Council. In April, Tesco met with vendors to explain its procurement policy. Tesco entered Taiwan in late 2000 with a store in Taipei's Nankang district.
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