International Business

Operating internationally is full of pitfalls and political peculiarity, as Walmart has again discovered in South Africa where various government officials are attempting to wring additional concessions from the company related to its acquisition of Massmart.

Milan -- Luxottica Group announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Erroca, which operates more than 60 sunglass stores in Israel. Over time, the stores will be rebranded under the Sunglass Hut brand.

The deal marks Luxottica's entry into the Israeli sunglass specialty store market, although the company already has a solid presence in the country through its wholesale division.

Operating internationally is full of pitfalls and political peculiarity, as Walmart has again discovered in South Africa where various government officials are attempting to wring additional concessions from the company related to its acquisition of Massmart.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods is planning to create two independent public companies, which will include a global snacks business and a North American grocery business.

The company expects to create these companies — the high-growth global snacks business, which carries an estimated revenue of approximately $32 billion and the high-margin North American grocery business, which touts an estimated revenue of approximately $16 billion — through a tax-free spinoff of the North American grocery business to Kraft Foods shareholders.

Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club continue to produce solid sales growth aided by high gas prices, shoppers desire to save money and their ability to pass through food price inflations.

NEW YORK — Ikea announced that it has named McCann NY as its global agency of record for its catalog. According to the company, McCann NY will work with ICOM, Ikea's in-house communications team based at the company's headquarters in Almhult, Sweden.

 McCann NY has been charged with revamping the catalogue by utilizing new technology to create an integrated storytelling experience that includes reimagining the store environment.

New York City -- Apple has hired executive search firm Egon Zehnder International to help it find a replacement for its retail head Ron Johnson, according to reports by The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.

The reports suggest that in hiring Egon Zehnder, which has offices around the globe, Apple may be looking for an executive with international retail experience. Apple is set to open nearly 30 stores this year outside of the United States.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., and SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Sears Holdings announced that it is reaching out to the growing Latino market with the launch of Facebook.com/SearsLatino as well as its Twitter handle @SearsLatino.