Europe's largest retailer, Carrefour, is to ramp up its Brazilian and Chinese businesses. CEO Georges Plassat told the Financial Times that the group is working on an expansion project for the two markets, which could be completed by early 2014.
Plassat said, "Our growth rate is likely to be insufficient in these regions. We are working on a strategy. They are big countries and there are many possibilities." Brazil and China are key to the group, ranking second and fifth-largest of its markets, respectively, in revenue terms.
Closer to home, speaking about the difficult trading conditions in south and eastern Europe, Plassat refuted rumours of the sale of its Italian business. He reaffirmed the group's commitment to the market saying, "it would be stupid to abandon our market position (20 per cent) just because the region is going through an economic crisis right now."Plassat also said that the group is reviewing its options in Turkey with its partner in the country, Sabanci. The review is expected to conclude in the coming weeks.
Restructuring Of Domestic Business
Last month the French giant announced a restructuring of its domestic operations to be implemented by May, including the division of its hypermarket business into four regional segments.
Headed up by Eric Bourgeois, director of PFT for Carrefour France, the hypermarket business will be segmented into four geographical areas: Ile-de-France, West, South East and North. Sylvain Ferry, Philippe Lartigue, Patrice Lespagnol and Pierre Bertholat will be responsible for each of the areas, respectively.
Carrefour's supermarket operations have been entrusted to Alain Rabec, formerly director of business development and structure for the division. Gérard Dorey retains control of the convenience and cash & carry formats.
The restructure has also seen the creation of three new departments; merchandise, supply chain and systems, to be headed up by Patrice Zygband; banking, services and projects; and technical, which will support the modernisation of the group's stores. (4 April)
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Sadhbh Connor
