Billa to grow to 50 stores by 2006

Billa chain in Russia is to grow to 50 stores by 2006, RBC reports. Now the chain operates 14 stores. According to Georgy Trefilov, the president of the Russian Billa developing partner Marta Holding, by the June 01 five Stolitza-sever stores and six Grossmart supermarkets will change their shop signs to Billa.

Besides, early this year Marta and its German partner Rewe Group purchased 17 Prodmak supermarkets. Some of them are also to be rebranded to Billa. The other stores are supposed to be purchased during the year. Georgy Trefilov also said that in future the chain will acquire all the Grossmart stores throughout Russia. In April 2005 the chain plans to float a bond loan for RUR 700 mln. This capital will be used for the needs of market expansion in the Russian regions.

Billa chain in Russia is to grow to 50 stores by 2006, RBC reports. Now the chain operates 14 stores. According to Georgy Trefilov, the president of the Russian Billa developing partner Marta Holding, by the June 01 five Stolitza-sever stores and six Grossmart supermarkets will change their shop signs to Billa.

Besides, early this year Marta and its German partner Rewe Group purchased 17 Prodmak supermarkets. Some of them are also to be rebranded to Billa. The other stores are supposed to be purchased during the year. Georgy Trefilov also said that in future the chain will acquire all the Grossmart stores throughout Russia. In April 2005 the chain plans to float a bond loan for RUR 700 mln. This capital will be used for the needs of market expansion in the Russian regions.