Baywa moves into Czechia

Baywa Handels-Systeme-Service GmbH (BHSS), a 100 per cent subsidiary of Baywa AG of Munich, is concluding a cooperation agreement with the Czech Avex DIY company, systemova centrala s.r.o., in Prague. BHSS operates as a provider of franchising systems in the field of DIY and garden stores and building materials. The aim is to use franchise partners in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to build up a network of regional DIY and garden stores as neighbourhood suppliers between 1 500 and 4 500 m² in size. The pilot project is currently being set up in Valasské Mezirici and is expected to open in March 2009. A further three to five stores are planned by 2010.