THE THIRD GENERATION:
With the advent of the third generation, led by Alec A. Mizzi as CEO, the company has seen further growth brought about by an injection of fresh, young enthusiasm. The age of marketing and brands has helped the core food distribution business which has now been spun off as a separate entity. Alf. Mizzi & Sons Marketing Ltd has become a leader in its sphere of activity. This growth necessitated the move to its new premises in Marsa, Zachary House in 1994.
Strategic investment took place in manufacturing (and, in particular, Consolidated Biscuit Co. Ltd in 1982), in the distribution of computers and office equipment (the major acquisition being Intercomp Ltd in 1992), in retailing (especially Homemate in 1998 and The Atrium in 2010) and in hotels.
The Group has, more often than not, expanded in partnership with several other local companies, both large and small. These alliances with so many diverse businesses are the cornerstone of the Group’s growth. These include a long 50-year partnership with Mizzi Organisation in MAE and other ventures like Midi plc and Retail International.
Of course, it has not been success all the way and given the risks inherent with every investment, the Group has had its share of failures and due to poor results or for strategic reasons, has had to pull out of various investments. Fortunately, these failures have been a minority.
The Group has also expanded overseas, primarily in Romania, through the Zacaria Group (owning and operating logistics centres), in Libya, through Retail International (operating some 30 fashion retail outlets like M&S, Next, Debenhams, Mango), in Croatia through Land Overseas, in Cyprus through Tryfon Tseriotis and Limassol Greens.
United Logistics, Romania
The Alf. Mizzi & Sons Group’s steady growth continues into the new century based on the fundamentals of:
- Strong brands
- A wide network of partnerships, and
- Effective management
The Group now employs over 1,800 people.