Real consolidates its takeover of Geant hypermarkets

"We managed to acquire them all without complications, even in Torun, Slupsk and Zabrze, where we had the problem of doubling stores. The most significant problem is the issue of adjusting the merchandise systems.Therefore we will have to revise our logistics and engage in some rebranding," said Martin Ender, Real's president. It is estimated that the rebranding process will cost between zl.500,000-800,000 for each hypermarket. The merger process will be finalized by the end of March next year. Real, which belongs to the German Metro group, also plans to reduce the sales areas and warehouse space which it acquired. In 2005 the revenues of the Real network in Poland amounted to EUR 734 million, and Geant's EUR 529 million. Real hopes to have a 10% market share of the domestic retail sector in 2007. (Puls Biznesu, p. 12) A.K.