Asda decides acquisition of outsourced apparel provider is good fit

The Turkish sourcing division behind the success of the George brand for the past decade has been acquired by Walmart’s Asda unit, the company announced this week.

According to Asda, it intends to acquire the Istanbul, Turkey-based GAAT sourcing division of Türkmen Group. GAAT works with more than 80 manufacturers to manage garment production on behalf of the George business in such key locations as Turkey, Sri Lanka and Egypt, according to an Asda press release.

“This is a natural and exciting next step for the business and will help George become even more responsive in delivering style, quality and value as we expand here in the U.K. and elsewhere around the world,” said Andrew Moore, executive managing director of George at Asda.

At a time when customers are more focused on value than ever, this acquisition will enable George to continue to develop its world class supply operation and the deal reflects similar moves Asda has made to find ways to improve quality at a lower cost. For example, the company highlighted the 2009 acquisition of International Produce which now sources fruit and grocery items for the U.K. business as well as other countries where Walmart trades.

“By bringing the GAAT team into the George, Asda and wider Walmart family, it enables us to underpin our quality, value and style credentials, extending our sourcing capabilities to satisfy supply demands from Walmart stores across the world, as we strive to become even more responsive to our customers,” Moore said.

Atila Türkmen, chairman of the Türkmen group added, “We’re all very excited about the prospects of the new stage in our relationship with George at Asda. Our dedicated

and passionate team has always been proud of being part of the success story of George. I’m confident that working as one team with George, Asda and Walmart colleagues, we are going to take George brand to new heights both in the United Kingdom and internationally.”