Wal-Mart Gets Serious About Propping Up UK Unit Asda

Wal-Mart plans to use its resources and strengths as the world’s largest retailer to revive the sales performance and regain market share of its UK business Asda. After Wal-Mart acquired Asda in 1999, the UK retailer performed strongly as the country’s most affordable supermarket. Germany-based discount retailers Aldi and Lidl, which opened in the UK in 1990 and 1994, respectively, grabbed market shares from Asda. Wal-Mart will lend Asda its purchasing strength, which enables it to lower prices and costs.