Interest in Praktiker

According to a report in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, there are several parties interested in the Metro retail group's Praktiker DIY chain. These include equity funds, said group chairman Hans-Joachim Körber in Düsseldorf on Tuesday, but no strategic investor. However, there is tremendous interest in Praktiker. A decision on the future of the DIY chain is still expected to be reached this year, the article in the Süddeutsche Zeitung continues. Several options were being sounded out in consultation with the JP Morgan investment bank, said Körber. Besides keeping the chain within the group, there was the possibility of a stock market flotation or of selling it. A first indication will probably be given in September, and only after that will Metro decide which direction to take.