International Business

Hong Kong -- Asian-based apparel retailer Esprit reported Thursday a net profit of $71.6 million for the six months ended December, beating Wall Street estimates.

The retailer said it remains on track to close its directly managed stores in North America by end-March 2012 and will continue to look for a licensing partner.

News this week that Walmart acquired a majority stake in one of China’s fastest growing e-commerce companies positions Walmart to become a dominant multichannel player in China far faster than it ever would have on its own.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Bayer Properties announced that Jay Wiseman has been named VP of acquisitions for the company.

Wiseman was previously with CBL & Associates Properties, Chattanooga, Tenn., where his responsibilities included acquisition of malls, strip centers and office buildings nationwide. He also sourced international investments and established investment platforms in Brazil and China.
 

Fort Worth, Texas -- RadioShack Corp. said Thursday that it has named William "Bill" Nebes III as senior VP, overseeing the company's operations in Mexico.

Nebes will report to Jim Gooch, president and CEO.

Nebes has served as VP of Mexico operations for RadioShack since February 2009, shortly after RadioShack acquired full ownership of the Mexico business in December 2008.

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group announced that Mark T. Dufton has been named CEO and Neill J. Kelly has been named president of DJM Realty, Gordon Brothers’ real estate management affiliate.

Dufton has held the role of interim president of DJM Realty since December 2011. He is a former veteran of the company, after having spent nine years with DJM as principal and senior managing director.

Kelly is also a former DJM executive, having served as managing director from 1999 to 2003. He was previously principal at RK Realty Advisors.

Woodland Hills, Calif. -- Kuwait-based trading and contracting company The Standard Arabian Business & Enterprises Co., which represents Casual Male, said Thursday it will use Great American Group GA Store Opening Services program for a retail location in Kuwait.

The Sabeco project represents the first time Great American Group's new Store Opening Services have been used outside the United States.

After 30 years in the drug store sector, Michael Bloom left CVS Caremark in September 2011 to become president and COO of Family Dollar Stores. The extreme-value chain has adopted an aggressive growth strategy in recent years, and plans to open 450 to 500 stores in 2012.

Family Dollar is equally committed to improving existing locations. Under its ambitious store-reinvention program, an estimated 1,000 locations are scheduled to be renovated, relocated or expanded this year.

By Stephen Wyss

As retailers eye avenues for growth in 2012, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) will be a key area of interest and activity.