Germany-based Metro Group is currently examining its international activities, Lebensmittel Zeitung reports. It is likely that Metro Group will proceed with its new strategy of pulling out of underperforming markets that have burdened the group’s results. Under particular scrutiny are its Asian businesses, as none of these operations are currently generating a profit.
Consultancy firm Alix Partners will provide business assessment, with especial focus on Asia, particularly Vietnam and Japan, according to Lebensmittel Zeitung. However, Metro Group has denied this and only confirms a commitment from Alix Partners regarding Metro Properties where the consultants are dealing with the organisational structure.
In addition to the Asian markets, there are also a number of European countries where the company has developed weakly, lacks a strong market position or has been affected by the economic crisis. These could also be on the agenda for potential exits. In future, the company wants to focus on countries where it sees good prospects and has identified eight core markets in which it plans to invest. These are Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Turkey and China.
