| International Business Strategy Report | Mac’s in South Africa | | 4/2/2012 |
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Introduction
Mac’s Convenience Store Inc. is the largest operator in all of Canada. They offer popular food products and are operated by Couche-Tard. After dominating the Canadian market, Couche-Tard decided to further their market expansion into the United States market and became the second largest convenience chain in North America. Mac’s is such a successful operator simply because they are able to tailor their products and services to the local tastes and needs of the market. Also, Mac’s strong financial position and ability to create value for its shareholders, has increased its feasibility of expanding into the global market. International expansion into South Africa is a promising opportunity for Mac’s. However, South Africa has encountered numerous political barriers from the development of the Apartheid System in 1948 to1994, where non-white inhabitants were stripped of their rights. This unstable environment inhibited their ability to remain competitive and attractive on a global scale. A revolution occurred, as South Africans currently reside in a democracy, and business affairs are expanding through the current development of the Grand Free Trade Area (seeking to improve trade relations). International business can be conducted in a similar manner to Canadian business exchanges due to the newly established legal system, minimized corruption, and strictly regulated financial system.
Internal Analysis Strengths * Mac’s is the largest convenience store operator in Canada
Being the largest convenience store operator in all of Canada reveals that Mac’s has dominated their domestic market. This exemplifies that they are effectively able to assess a market, identify the demands of that market, match and adapt their offerings to suit the needs of