The management of METRO AG is preparing to separate its business into two companies: a wholesale and food group (METRO, MAKRO, and Real) and a consumer electronics products and services group (Media-Saturn).
The management and Supervisory Board of Metro Group will consider the possibility of separation, with implementation expected in mid-2017 if a thorough assessment determines a positive impact of the separation on business and subject to shareholder agreement.
– The creation of two independent companies is a logical continuation of Metro Group’s transformation process towards growth and a stronger focus on customers and entrepreneurship. By separating, we will create two companies in the market that achieve the best business results and hold a leading position in their sales segments. The foundations for the separation have been established thanks to the continuous sales growth of Metro Cash & Carry over ten quarters and the highest market share of Media-Saturn in its history, stated Olaf Koch, CEO of Metro AG.
The goal is to enable the management of both companies to have full control over corporate strategies to strengthen the focus on customers and accelerate business growth. The separation will allow for independent acquisition and partnership strategies and, consequently, the definition of their own expansion strategies.
