Aimia expands in Italy

Article Excerpt

AIMIA INC. $15.40 (Toronto symbol AIM; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (514-205-7315; www.aimia.com; Shares outstanding: 172.3 million; Market cap: $2.7 billion; Dividend yield: 4.2%) is buying the 25% of Nectar Italia that it doesn’t already own for $9 million. The Nectar Italia loyalty program has signed up over 9.5 million members since its launch in March 2010. Its partners include a range of Italian retailers and participating shopping websites. As well, Nectar offers a credit card that lets holders earn points. Aimia continues to diversify its operations geographically. That’s offsetting the risk of its Canadian business: Air Canada, a major Aeroplan partner, is vulnerable to labour disputes that can disrupt its service. Aimia is still a buy. buy…