Alternext Paris-listed global consultancy company Solving Efeso, which has clients across industries, internationally, is looking to tap the growing retail sector in India. The company announced its entry into the India market on Friday with the acquisition of Gurgaon-based company Q-Spread.
Filippo Mantegazza, chairman and CEO of Solving Efeso, told Business Standard the company was engaged in active dialogue with most prominent multinational as well as home-grown retail chains operating in India for providing consultancy to them. Global retail groups present in India include Walmart, Carrefour, Metro and Tesco. Walmart, Tesco, and Harrods are among the company’s clients in the UK. It has also worked with Swedish furniture major, IKEA, in some markets. IKEA has submitted its proposal to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) to enter India.
Currently, foreign direct investment (FDI) is not allowed in multi-brand retail in India and, therefore, international supermarket chains run cash and carry or wholesale operations in the country. There’s no FDI restriction in the cash and carry category.
“We will build knowledge teams in India, in integration with the international experts,” said Mantegazza. The consulting firm is analysing the Indian market, both for multi-brand retail and cash and carry. Internationally, it handles clients in both segments. The focus of the consultancy will be on strengthening the supply chain, building capability in execution, providing market perspective and linking everything to the people, Mantegazza added. On the whole, the knowledge groups would advise companies on dealing with cost and managing the organisations to become competitive.
Besides retail, the company is planning to target the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in India. FMCG is one of the most important industries for Solving Efeso, globally. Specifically for the India market, it is planning to look at healthcare in a big way, and that would include changing the processes at hospitals and corporate laboratories.
The group operates from 25 offices around the world with presence in Europe, the US, South America and Asia.
In 2011, Solving Efeso generated euro 55 million in revenues.