Blair offered £1m by Tesco for Middle East role

by James Quilter, Brand Republic 02-Nov-09, 09:25

LONDON - Tesco has held talks with former prime minister and current Middle East peace envoy Tony Blair to help smooth the supermarket's expansion into the region.

According to the Mail on Sunday Blair was offered a fee in the region of £1m to act as a "figurehead" for the world's third largest retailer.

It is believed Tesco hoped Blair would be able to use his diplomatic clout to aid its plans in the region. However the paper said talks broke down over an "unknown reason" unconnected with money.

Blair's talks with Tesco has led to questions over whether it is right for a peace envoy to be representing a supermarket in that area. Blair gives economic and political advice through his company Tony Blair Associates.

Tesco is behind Wal-Mart and French supermarket Carrefour in the race for world supermarket share. It now has limited opportunity to expand in the saturated UK market and has been looking overseas in recent years.

The most notable opening for Tesco has been its Fresh & Easy chain on the west coast of the US. However Tesco's international chain spreads over Thailand, the Czech Republic, South Korea and Poland.

Currently Marks & Spencer is the only other mainstream UK retailer to open stores in the Middle East. It has 20 stores in the region and is planning to open four more next year. In its recent annual report M&S said its Middle East operations had performed "strongly throughout the year".

In response to the Blair story Tesco said: "We wouldn’t comment on which advisers we may or may not talk to, or speculation about potential markets for Tesco."

Tony Blair Associates denied Blair had any commercial relationship with Tesco.

Comments

Nic Niewart - 02/11/2009

Oh, you're not interested in giving these Palestinians a helping hand- what about the Nablus situation- no to that as well- what about Gaza ? No, not the footballer, the place? No to that one, as well. Now here's something you're bound to like, this is a deal where you can FEEL the quality, look at this- and it's a one time deal- Tesco supermarkets. Now your country might have palm shaped islands, world shaped islands, the latest grand prix circuit, and the tallest something or other in the world, but does it have a Tesco supermarket, my son? What about that? Now, the minute I walk out that door, the price will be higher, so what about signing now, while I'm in town.... These supermarkets are really super markets! There's nothing they won't sell. They don't cost- they PAY! It's a once in lifetime opportunity, Just think the red white and blue bags could be part of your country. Just sign here, and sheik your money.