Brazilian Distribution Company (CBD)

During its 60-year history the Brazilian Distribution Company has evolved from a baked sweets enterprise to the biggest retail group in Brazil. The group’s many subsidiaries total over 1,300 stores around the country, employing 140,000 people. Despite the Brazilian economy slowing this year, with high inflation rates, CBD has grown by a formidable 7.4 percent. The company has developed a strategy for acquiring competitors to gain access into new markets, but preserving known brands; as a result it is one of the most diverse retail conglomerates with subsidiaries ranging from supermarkets and pharmacies to home appliance stores and gas stations.