Exploring corporate culture and strategy: Sainsbury at home and abroad during the early to mid 1990s

Sainsbury PLC commenced its international diversification program in 1983 upon its acquisition of a 21% stake in Shaw's Supermarkets in New England, USA. The giant food retailer eventually took full control over Shaw's in Jul 1987 though a 261 pounds sterling million purchase. Sainsbury painstakingly transplanted its corporate culture into Shaw's small, underdeveloped regional chain. This resulted in the successful reinvigoration of Shaw's which provided Sainsbury with a long-term vehicle of growth.