Motta gains control of World Duty Free Americas' export division

Print Article E-Mail Article

World Duty Free Americas (WDFA) has completed the sale of its export division to Panamanian retailer Motta Internacional, the BAA subsidiary announced today. BAA said assets worth around $33m were sold for a "small premium".

WDFA president and ceo Ramon Bosquez said: "I am certain this part of our business will thrive under the ownership of the Motta group. I would personally like to thank all the staff for their excellent work and the valuable contribution they have made to World Duty Free Americas over the years. We at WDFA look forward to a close working relationship with the Motta group."

The export business comprises four elements:

• Servicing cruise ships from Miami and Baltimore
• Supplying resorts
• Selling to embassies and foreign diplomats based in the US
• Supplying commercial ships on the eastern seaboard