Metro, which is operating in Romania through Metro Cash&Carry Romania the hypermarket division Real Romania, is the first major retailer to enter the local market. It is one of the country’s largest companies, along with Petrom oil group, owned by Austrian OMV group, Automobile Dacia car manufacturer, controlled by Renault, and ArcelorMittal steel maker.
The second-largest retailer locally is Rewe, which is operating Selgros, Billa and Penny Market in Romania. Last year, Rewe posted €1.34 billion in turnover, 27 percent higher year-on-year.
Carrefour is also set to enter the billionaire club, as it posted some €819 million in sales for the first nine months of 2008.
Kaufland, part of the Lidl&Schwarz Co&KG group, ranks fourth, with €641.6 million in sales in 2007.
The local consumer goods market is estimated at some €40 billion locally, and is set to increase 10-15 percent this year, in spite of the financial crisis.
