Mergers & Acquisitions

Williams-Sonoma has appointed Ronald R. Young SVP, global, as part of its strategy to grow the brand outside the United States.

“Global expansion is one of our most important initiatives, and I’m pleased to have Ron Young, with his more than 30 years of experience in global markets, leading our continued growth,” said president and CEO Laura Alber. “Ron’s deep understanding of the global retail landscape, and his financial discipline are the ideal combination of skills and experience to lead our global strategy.”

Peoria, Ill. -- Cullinan Properties, Ltd. has promoted Scott Bishop to VP of Asset Management, responsible for overseeing all aspects of property operations for the company, including supervision of both in-house personnel and third-party firms. Bishop will also coordinate leasing, marketing and tenant construction-related activities for the managed properties.

San Mateo, Calif. - NetSuite Inc. a provider of cloud-based financials, ERP and omnichannel commerce software suites is acquiring London-based Venda, a provider of e-commerce solutions for an undisclosed amount. NetSuite says its acquisition of Venda builds on the momentum of NetSuite SuiteCommerce globally and supports NetSuite’s business expansion into the European market.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft Corp. is enacting a restructuring plan to simplify its organization and align the recently acquired Nokia mobile devices and services business with the company’s overall strategy. These steps will result in the elimination of up to 18,000 positions in the next year.

Brampton, Ontario -- Loblaw Cos. on Thursday announced a series of management changes, including the appointment of Galen Weston, executive chairman, as president, effective immediately. He succeeds Vicente Trius, president since August 2011, who is leaving the company, effective immediately,  for family reasons to return to Brazil.

A strong spring painting season drove a near 10% increase in same store sales at Sherwin-Williams and fueled record sales and profits for the operator of 4,100 stores.

The company’s total sales increased 12.1% to slightly more than $3 billion due primarily to higher sales in the company paint stores group. Acquisitions were said to have increased net sales by 4.6%. Profits grew at an even faster pace, with earnings per share increasing 19.5% to $2.94 from $2.46.

Salt Lake City -- PizzaRev franchisee group Away We Dough, Inc. is opening Utah’s first PizzaRev – a build-your-own artisanal pizza concept with roots in Southern California.

The new West Valley restaurant is the first of five franchise locations planned to open in Utah in the next six months.

Away We Dough is part of William Tell, Inc. based in Salt Lake City, which owns and operates 18 Applebee’s and eight Famous Dave’s in Utah and Washington.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma announced the hiring of Ronald R. Young as senior VP global. Young will grow the portfolio of Williams-Sonoma brands outside the United States.