Oteros Sport and Deportes Blanes, the two most important buying groups in the Spanish region of Andalusia, have struck a deal not to compete with each other in order to build a common front against Décathlon in the area. Both companies want to expand, and with 48 outlets in common, they stand a better chance of negotiating with brands and of standing up to the leading French sports retailer. Four stores will open in 2008 between the two groups. The new deal, called OB+, provides for common promotional packages and may lead to joint purchasing and further collaboration between the groups, although there have not been any concrete decisions as yet.