Strategic partner becomes majority owner of CASA

Olen, 19 April 2024

Earlier today, CASA International has announced that it has entered into an agreement with AAS Retail AB on the acquisition of a majority stake in CASA International, a pan-European home & living player.

AAS Retail AB is the Swedish holding company of Ayad Al Saffar, also the majority shareholder of the retail group Ahlens. The consortium of companies owns and operates several successful retail formats in the Nordics.

AAS Retail will bring significant retail experience in store operations and commercial management, as well as buying synergies through bundling of CASA and other retail companies’ expertise, volumes, and efficiency.

‘We fully support the CASA’s management with their strategic plan and evolve the CASA store concept. We are impressed by the successful development of the e-commerce strategy, with its performance doubling year over year. The company is ready to integrate its full omni-channel customer experience,’ says the new CCO Frank Pruijn.

Arthur Clement on behalf of shareholder Globitas Capital; ‘This transaction is excellent news for CASA, as it will strengthen CASA whereas both companies act in complementary markets and can leverage each other’s strengths. It lays are great foundation of further expansion. Now with a European market footprint, reaching from Morocco to the north of Sweden.’

CASA' CEO Vincent Nolf; ‘Despite the macro-economic challenges of the retail market conditions, the company has a strong balance sheet and is well positioned for the next stage of its future. This deal marks a significant milestone in our industry and fuels a transformative shift in the landscape. With this successful transaction and the arrival of a strategic retail partner, we continue to be at the center of these developments.’

About CASA:

CASA is the inspiring and leading home and living player with around 450 stores active in 10 countries. The CASA group employs more than 3,000 employees. For over 40 years CASA has developed into an established go-to brand. In recent years CASA has been transitioning itself with a true omni-channel strategy, into a great customer experience.

About AAS Retail:

AAS Retail is owned by Ayad Al Saffar, who has a long history in the European retail landscape. He is currently the majority owner of, amongst other, the Ahlens Group in Sweden. In The Netherlands, Ayad Al Saffar acquired and successfully sold the retail chains Lucardi and Kijkshop. AAS Retail will bring significant retail experience in store operations and commercial management, as well as product sourcing, with extensive experience in Far East and European sourcing.