Massmart has said that it is focused on integration with Walmart now that the deal has been approved, particularly in terms of governance, procurement processes and sharing best practice. Massmart chief executive Grant Pattison said the company is first and foremost putting in place measures to implement the conditions the Competition Tribunal imposed when it approved the deal.

Massmart’s management team has begun to identify new products for South African shoppers and, although there will be some initial price promotions and in-store branding with Walmart, the retailer will retain all of Massmart’s local banner names.