“Aggressive international expansion”

Obi has announced its intention to enter the markets of Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine. According to information from the company, plans are already in the pipeline for about 20 stores in both Romania and Ukraine, and for between ten and 15 in Slovakia. The first openings in these countries are scheduled for 2008. In the announcement the DIY retailer emphasises the group’s intention to “aggressively push ahead” with international expansion over the years to come. Along with the three new targets for expansion, the focus of this push is to be on Russia, Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Balkan states. It is hoped to increase the proportion of sales generated by the international stores to well above 50 per cent in the next few years.