Retail sector leads in acquisitions
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Magdeline Gabaraane
During the 2016-2017 financial year, a total of 52 mergers were handled and out of this figure, the wholesale and retail sector recorded the highest number at 13 cases compared to 12 in the previous year.
The other sector that had a significant record on merger notifications is the transportation and logistics sector, which recorded seven cases as compared to zero in 2016.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...