The client
Grupo Martí is a leading Mexican holding company in the sports and wellness sector, encompassing three major brands:
Deportes Martí, the country’s leading retailer of sports goods; Emoción Deportiva, the most recognised brand for organising marathons and athletic events; and Sport City, a national chain of fitness clubs offering premium services to their members.
Challenges before engaging ERA
By 2018, Grupo Martí had undergone a series of restructures, and was ready to consolidate its market position. A fresher view on savings was needed.
Management recognised the need to ensure long-term financial health and operational efficiency, even during periods of prosperity. Rising insurance premiums and increasing operational expenses prompted them to seek an external perspective to identify savings without compromising quality or service.
Decision to Partner with ERA
The decision to engage ERA Group was driven by the group’s strategic mindset and openness to innovation.
ERA’s success-based model—where fees are linked to verified savings and there is no financial risk to the client—aligned perfectly with Martí’s philosophy of continuous improvement and transparency.
ERA’s Approach & Implementation
ERA commenced by reviewing the Insurance and Gas Supply categories, both significant cost centres for the group. Through its extensive market expertise, supplier negotiations, and benchmarking analysis, ERA identified substantial opportunities for optimisation.
- In Insurance, ERA delivered more than USD 700K in savings during the first year (a 48% reduction). This project continued for over five years, with ERA consistently identifying new opportunities and ensuring sustainable, measurable savings.
- In Gas, the project encompassed a transition from LPG to natural gas, alongside renegotiation of LPG pricing. This generated over USD 500K in savings — a weighted average of 15% — thereby improving cash flow without compromising supply reliability or safety.
- Regarding Cleaning Services, the project initially yielded solid savings but was paused during the pandemic. Upon reopening, cleaning became a strategic imperative to ensure member safety and hygiene, precluding the continuation of the initiative.
Breakdown of Results
USD 700K+
Insurance Savings (Year 1)
ERA delivered more than USD 700,000 in insurance savings in the first year alone, representing a 48% reduction, with the project extending for over five years.
48%
Insurance Cost Reduction
A 48% reduction in insurance premiums was achieved in the first year through profound market expertise and supplier renegotiation.
USD 500K+
Gas Supply Savings
Over USD 500,000 in gas savings were generated through a transition from LPG to natural gas and renegotiation of LPG pricing, equating to a weighted average of 15%.
15%
Gas Cost Reduction (Weighted Avg)
A weighted average reduction of 15% in gas supply costs, thereby enhancing cash flow without compromising supply reliability or safety.
5+
Years of Partnership
The insurance project continued for over five years, with ERA consistently identifying new opportunities and ensuring sustainable, measurable savings.
Discover long-term savings with ERA Group
Results and Long-Term Impact
The partnership between Grupo Martí and ERA has provided tangible, sustained savings and greater financial resilience—a key factor that allowed the company to better absorb the impact of the pandemic across its operations.
Main Benefit
For Grupo Martí, the relationship with ERA goes beyond cost reduction—it represents a strategic partnership focused on financial health, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
“Working with ERA has brought us significant, measurable savings that continue to deliver results year after year. They are able to uncover improvement opportunities throughout the year, positively impacting our cash flow. Their knowledge, transparency, and objectivity have been key to building a long-term relationship based on trust.” — Grupo Martí Management Team
