Understanding the International Retail Divestment Process

This paper focuses on the international retail divestment process. Using a qualitative methodological approach the paper presents findings that facilitate a stage‐by‐stage consideration of the process. Interviews with current and ex‐employees, all senior managers, provide insights into the most important considerations, decisions and outcomes at different stages in the divestment process. By using this approach it has been possible to build up a complete picture of the process and has avoided an emphasis being placed on only one stage of divestment activity.