Expansion
In 1986, the company set up a short-lived co-venture between the directors of Siriol Animation to create Kalisto.[10] Kalisto also developed a show called Space Baby (which eventually became Fantastic Max), along with another series called Satellite City (which was co-produced with Fairwater Films)[11] and the animated film The Little Engine That Could.[12] Kalisto barely lasted a year before Booker bought the rights back.[13]
In November 1996, Booker bought Nurdin & Peacock, taking ownership of the convenience store operator and brand Happy Shopper.[2] Happy Shopper's products are sold by Booker to independent convenience stores and off licences. In 2000, the brand's logo of a smiling face with blonde hair was dropped from products and packaging, as part of a redesign by Partners In Communication, a design consultant company.[14]
In May 2000, Booker was purchased by Iceland Supermarkets, via its Big Food Group vehicle.[15] Then, in December 2004, Big Food Group was in turn bought by acquisitive Icelandic group, Baugur,[16] which split Booker and Iceland again into different companies.[17]
In June 2007, Booker reversed into an AIM listed wholesaler of groceries Blueheath, to form Booker Group plc.[18] Baugur sold all its assets in Booker Cash & Carry in June 2008,[19] only weeks after its founder was found guilty of accounting irregularities.[20] Baugur collapsed in February 2009, amidst the Icelandic financial crisis.[21]
In September 2009, Booker opened a store in Mumbai and planned to expand its cash and carry stores across India.[22] In May 2012, Metro Group sold the thirty stores of Makro in the United Kingdom and all operational assets to Booker Group Plc, in return for 9.99% of Booker's share capital, plus £15.8 million in cash; although the merger was referred to the Office of Fair Trading it was cleared by the Competition Commission in April 2013.[23]
In May 2015, Booker Group confirmed it had reached an agreement with Musgrave Group to buy the Budgens and Londis grocery chains, for £40 million.[24]
In January 2017, Tesco announced that it had reached an agreement to merge with Booker Group for £3.7 billion, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.[25] It was confirmed on 5 March 2018 that Tesco had completed its merger with Booker.[26]
