Nuance to form joint venture with Schiphol Group

Tina Milton

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The Nuance Group has been selected as the joint venture partner to operate retail activities at Amsterdam Schiphol airport

Airport operator Schiphol Group and The Nuance Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a joint venture to operate retail outlets at Amsterdam Schiphol airport starting with the liquor, tobacco and confectionery merchandising categories. The joint venture will begin operations in August.

Schiphol Group currently operates the liquor and tobacco activities at Schiphol airport through its 100% subsidiary Schiphol Airport Retail B.V. Nuance currently manages the confectionery concession through its 100% subsidiary The Nuance Group (Netherlands) B.V.

Under the terms of the agreement, Schiphol Group and The Nuance Group will participate equally  in Schiphol Airport Retail B.V. Nuance will acquire a 50% stake in Schiphol Airport Retail B.V. and all of the assets of The Nuance Group (Netherlands) B.V. will be transferred to Schiphol Airport Retail B.V.

Schiphol Group's Otto Ambagtsheer told Ravenfox.com: "This is the start of Schiphol's direct retail strategy. Directly-operated retailing is something all airports should consider when they get to critical mass. We decided not to tender the liquor and tobacco opportunity when it expired last year but, although we have strong experience in retail management we are not retailers, so we have formed the joint venture with Nuance, who are. There will definitely be more moves in this direction from Schiphol."

Business Area Consumers senior vice-president Dick Flink said: “Forming a joint venture with The Nuance Group is in line with the strategy of Schiphol Group’s Consumers Business Area to further reinforce non-aviation revenue. After an already very successful start to Schiphol airport retail,  I look forward to further increase the results through this joint venture with Nuance.”

The Nuance Group president and CEO Roberto Graziani added: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as a joint venture partner for retail activities at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. We are really proud that this partnership has become reality at an airport as important as Schiphol. We look forward to contributing our international know-how and Dutch expertise regarding airport retailing to maximise customer satisfaction at Schiphol airport.”