NETHERLANDS. Schiphol Group has reached an agreement to acquire 100% of travel retailer Kappé, which manages fragrances & cosmetics and sunglasses stores at the Dutch gateway. The agreement is expected to take effect from 1 January.
Kappé manages 15 shops at Schiphol. The airport company said: “With this acquisition, Schiphol wants to further the business, continue to invest in these shops and look to the future with new stores and concepts.
“Continuity for the shops and for employees is key. Furthermore, Schiphol is focusing on the already initiated professionalisation of Kappé and the cooperation with commercial partners. In the long term, the acquisition will allow Schiphol to flexibly allocate the available square metres, with room for innovation and an improved shopping experience for passengers.”
Schiphol Director Commercial Arthur Reijnhart said: “Kappé has been one of our commercial partners at the airport since 1950 and is part of Schiphol’s heritage. The perfume, cosmetics and sunglasses shops are an essential part of the retail offering at Schiphol. With this acquisition, we want to strengthen and update the stores so we can provide even better service to our passengers with an attractive range of products.”
Kappé Owner Jacques Parson said: “It is with due satisfaction and pride that I look back on the 36 years I have directed Kappé. To me, the employees have always been, and still are, key. Their hard work and loyalty have made Kappé what it is today: an essential household name at Schiphol. I am pleased that in Schiphol we have found a party that will secure the future of employees and the company.”
The acquisition remains subject to approval by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets and to the opinions of the works councils at Kappé and Schiphol Group. ✈
