Kipa, short for Kitle Pazarlama A.Ş., is a supermarket chain in Turkey, owned by Migros Türk since 2017. It was previously owned by the largest UK retailer, Tesco.
History
Independent ownership
The original company, Kitle Pazarlama A.Ş., was founded in 1992 by a group of 100 investors, including notable figures such as Şinasi Ertan and renowned actor Metin Akpınar. The initiative was led by Ahmet Piriştina, the former General Manager of Tansaş, following his departure from the company. The first Kipa hypermarket was opened in Bornova, İzmir in November 1994. Soon after, additional locations were launched in the İzmir districts of Balçova and Çiğli. In 1997, Kipa shares began trading on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. In 1998, Kipa expanded outside İzmir by opening a store in Denizli. In 1999, after being elected Mayor of İzmir, Piriştina ended all ties with the company due to ethical considerations.