REWE Opens Its Own Representative Office In Moscow

Cologne/Moscow, 06.07.05

[Translate to English:] BILLA-Supermärkte erfolgreich in Russland gestartet –REWE-Vorstand untermauert langfristiges Engagement – MARTA-Gruppe als Partner


The Cologne-based REWE Group has successfully launched their international supermarket format BILLA in Russia. “We are very pleased with the sales development of the 18 supermarkets already established in Moscow. These excellent results make us hopeful,” stated Dr Achim Egner, CEO REWE Group, drawing the first positive balance, in Moscow, on Wednesday, 6 July. “In the course of this year, the REWE Group will open a series of BILLA markets in the Russian metropolis. In the years to come, together with our joint venture partner Marta, we are planning to intensify our expansion to other selected large provincial towns beyond Moscow. Russia remains for us one of the most attractive markets in Eastern Europe,” emphasized Egner at the inauguration of the REWE/BILLA headquarters and opening of REWE’s own representative office in Moscow.

It is nearly one year ago that REWE and the MARTA Group signed the German / Russian joint venture in the presence of the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder. The year 2004 symbolized both expansion of this joint business and the re-structuring of the new supermarkets under the trade name BILLA.

“The latest announcement from the Russian President Vladimir Putin to make definite steps towards creating easier conditions for business activities, will give our investments a further boost,” said the CEO REWE Group. Also, the phasing out of bureaucracy in the economy will improve the guarantee of owner rights. In addition, clear and firm rules for the tax authorities will pave the right path.
“Drastic market economy reforms are the medium where trust can grow,” said Dr Egner.

By opening their own representative office in Moscow, the REWE Group, with its €40.8bn in sales and position as one of the leading European retailing and tourism companies, confirms their long-term commitment to Russia. With a concerted investment volume with the joint venture of up to 0.5bn US$ (REWE 75% / Marta 25%) by 2008 the Group aims to gain a major position in the Russian retail market.
“The trusting cooperation with our native Russian partner MARTA, with their deep understanding of the Russian market and focus on property and locations, has totally fulfilled our expectations and made our start in Russia easier,” underlined Egner. “The success of our joint retail activities confirms our positive prognoses and is a good basis for further development in Russia,” said Georgy Trefilov, President of the MARTA Group, in praising the cooperation.

The REWE Group with its total sales of €40.8bn, 11,665 retail stores and a staff of 196,224 in 14 European countries makes it the number 3 retailer in Europe. In 2004, foreign sales rose by 13% to €11.3bn. In Eastern Europe REWE expanded the sales formats BILLA supermarkets (Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Rumania, Bulgaria, Ukraine), Penny Discount (Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine), XXL Mega Discount (Rumania) and Selgros Cash & Carry (Poland, Rumania).

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E-Mail: presse(at)rewe-group.com

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