S.Africa's Shoprite to buy Metcash franchise unit

JOHANNESBURG, March 8 (Reuters ) - Africa's biggest grocer Shoprite (SHPJ.J) has agreed to buy the franchise unit of unlisted South African rival Metcash Trading for an undisclosed amount, the two companies said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

Metcash's franchise unit operates supermarket chains such as Friendly, Seven Eleven and Price Club Discount across South Africa.

"The transaction will provide (Shoprite) with a further platform to grow its business and franchisees exponentially, both in numbers and in turnover," Shoprite deputy Managing Director Carel Goosen said in a statement. (Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng; Editing by xx)