Strategic choices
In the Telegraph, Metro Group CEO Olaf Koch admitted to be happy with
the transaction: “We are convinced that this new setup meets all
requirements for future success in the UK, while allowing Metro Group to
further concentrate on countries within our strategic focus”, he said.
Booker CEO Charles Wilson on the other hand thought that “Through
working together, Booker and Makro UK will improve choice, prices and
service for retailers, caterers and SMEs throughout the UK. Together we
will offer a wide range of foods and non-foods to our professional
customers, via the internet, delivery and cash and carry.”
Makro UK is the first sale that Olaf Koch concludes as Metro’s new CEO.
A rather surprising move perhaps, as hypermarket chain Real and
department store chain Kaufhof were much higher on the ‘to sell list’.
While Makro UK’s selling process went very smoothly, Metro still has to
wait for these two transaction to be concluded…
