ISRAEL. In major breaking news, James Richardson and Heinemann have made a joint submission to the Israeli Antitrust Authority to enter into a joint venture agreement to operate the duty free liquor, tobacco, perfumes & cosmetics and confectionery contract at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
James Richardson currently operates the business. As reported, in 2013 it won a ten-year concession at Ben Gurion Airport T3 [as reported, Israel Airports Authority is still finalising its retail structure for when T1 re-opens fully to international departing passengers this year].
The proposed venture brings together two highly regarded, privately held family companies. James Richardson (which also has a strong network in Australia and New Zealand) is synonymous with duty free in Israel where it has operated since 1988.
“Heinemann share our family values and culture. They are the ideal partner with whom JR can continue to develop the duty free business in Israel.” – Garry Stock, JR/Duty Free Chairman
Gebr Heinemann is the world’s fifth-largest duty free retailer according to the annual Moodie Davitt Report Top 25 Travel Retailers ranking (see below). James Richardson ranks 16th in the same league.
James Richardson said it welcomes the new partnership. JR/Duty Free Chairman Garry Stock said: “Heinemann share our family values and culture. They are the ideal partner with whom JR can continue to develop the duty free business in Israel.”
Gebr Heinemann said it has similar strong partnerships in certain countries. Gebr Heinemann Managing Director Raoul Spanger said: “JR is by far the most knowledgeable and experienced duty free operator in the Israel market. What they have achieved is highly respected within the industry.”
The joint venture will continue to trade as JR/Duty Free James Richardson.
The parties said they do not intend to make any further statement as to the proposed joint venture until the Antitrust Authority completes its enquiries.
