Holdal Abou Adal eyes regional markets

Retail, distribution operations in GCC and Mideast

“We are searching for new opportunities in new markets outside Lebanon,” said Paul Kupelian, COO-Retail Operations at Holdal, Abou Adal Group.

The company is one of the biggest retail, FMCG distribution, and manufacturing groups in the local market. It is the agent for all brands of the Estée Lauder group and a service provider for several other brands including the L'Oréal group.

Kupelian said that big groups are better at weathering difficult market conditions than smaller ones. However, under the current circumstances, investing abroad represents a good opportunity. “Our strategy is to expand new markets in the region and internationally, depending on available opportunities,”

He said that they are planning to export their whole concept, i.e. both the company’s distribution arm and its retail one. The business plans reveals the company will have a presence in regional markets before 2017.

Holdal, Abou Adal Group had to shut down some of its operations in Syria due to the conflict, but they are still active in Damascus. “We are doing our best to support our employees there to sustain and face the difficult circumstances.”.