MONTREAL, June 7, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Groupe Aeroplan Inc. (TSX: AER)
today announced a strategic partnership between its insight and data
analytics business, LMG Insight & Communication (I&C), and Sobeys Inc.,
one of Canada's two national grocery retailers.
Beginning in the third quarter 2011, Groupe Aeroplan's insight and data
analytics business will assist Sobeys in analyzing data from its
loyalty programs providing Sobeys with unparalleled insight into its
customers' shopping habits, enabling it to make better strategic
business decisions about many aspects of its operations, from
assortment to promotions.
The multi-year agreement will harness I&C's data analytics tool, 'Self
Serve' and will be supported by a team of analytics experts from I&C.
"This partnership with Sobeys signals a significant milestone for Groupe
Aeroplan as it cements our position as a worldwide leader in data
analytics following our recently announced partnership with Australian
supermarket retailer, Coles," said Groupe Aeroplan President and CEO,
Rupert Duchesne. "Groupe Aeroplan's data analytics business is now
present in major markets around the globe with key partnerships with
Sainsbury's in the UK, Migros in Switzerland and CVS Caremark in the
US. To now deliver our world-class analytics service in Canada is very
exciting for us and we look forward to deepening our relationship with
Sobeys."
"In an increasingly dynamic marketplace, harvesting the insight from
sales and loyalty card data will help strengthen our relationship with
our customers and provide us with a competitive edge," said Sobeys Inc.
President & Chief Executive Officer Bill McEwan. "'Self Serve' is the best tool for analyzing that data and we are
looking forward to working closely with Groupe Aeroplan as we focus on
delivering an even better food shopping experience for our customers
across the country."
About Groupe Aeroplan Inc.
Groupe Aeroplan Inc., a global leader in loyalty management, owns
Aeroplan, Canada's premier coalition loyalty program, Carlson
Marketing, an international loyalty marketing services, engagement and
events provider, as well as Nectar, the United Kingdom's largest
coalition loyalty program. Groupe Aeroplan also operates LMG Insight &
Communication, an international customer-driven insight and data
analytics business. In addition, Groupe Aeroplan has majority equity
positions in Air Miles Middle East and Nectar Italia as well as a
minority position in Club Premier, Mexico's leading coalition loyalty
program. For more information about Groupe Aeroplan, please visit www.groupeaeroplan.com.
About Sobeys Inc.
Sobeys Inc. is a leading national grocery retailer and food distributor
headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. A wholly-owned subsidiary of
Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises more than
1,300 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include
Sobeys, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Price Chopper and Thrifty Foods, as
well as Lawtons Drug Stores. Sobeys Inc. is committed to providing the
most worthwhile experience for its customers, employees, franchisees,
suppliers and shareholders. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be
found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements are included in this news
release. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of
terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate",
"expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "will",
"would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to
assumptions. Such statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions
and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or
forward-looking predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to,
amongst other things, changing external events and general
uncertainties of the economy and the business of Groupe Aeroplan and
its partners. Results indicated in forward-looking statements may
differ materially from actual results for a number of reasons,
including the factors identified throughout Groupe Aeroplan's public
disclosure record on file with the Canadian securities regulatory
authorities. The forward-looking statements contained in this
discussion represent Groupe Aeroplan's expectations as of June 7, 2011
and are subject to change after such date. However, Groupe Aeroplan
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable
securities regulations.