Sainsbury’s has bought Nectar for £60m in a strategic drive to ensure it knows its customers “better than anyone else”.

The acquisition will see Sainsbury’s take over the UK business of Nectar-owner Aimia. That includes all assets, colleagues, systems and licences required for the full and independent operation of the Nectar loyalty programme in the UK.

“One of our strategic aims is to know our customers better than anyone else and obviously having ownership of the Nectar scheme allows us to do this and it’s a great opportunity,” a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s says.

There will be no change for customers as a result of the acquisition – and the organisational structure of the business will initially remain as it is. Nectar will also remain as a standalone scheme.

While there is a clear opportunity for Sainsbury’s in owning Nectar, it would seem the deal was in part led by Aimia’s desire to offload the programme.

Aimia’s group chief executive, David Johnston, says selling the Nectar business to Sainsbury’s – which was a founding partner of the Nectar coalition in 2002 – was the “optimal risk-adjusted outcome” for Aimia, and that it has worked to ensure a “seamless transition” for collectors and employees.

“The transaction allows for a sharper focus on Aeroplan, our largest and most profitable business, and simplifies our business all the while preserving a robust balance sheet for our ongoing business,” Johnston adds.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.marketingweek.com