Kingfisher in search of new markets

Kingfisher, the British DIY and home improvement group, is planning expansion into more countries and trading formats. The aim is also to step up the expansion of locations in the total of eight countries where the European market leader is currently established. It was announced during the presentation of the figures for 2010 that the network of stores in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Spain and China could well in the longer term increase from the present total of 856 to more than 1 100. Moreover, the company wants to set up a multi-channel marketing system in each of the countries. B&Q, the sales format in the United Kingdom, is planning one new opening for the 2011/2012 financial year. The group intends to put two new stores into operation in France. Six new outlets each are planned for two countries, Poland and Turkey, and four for Russia. A small inner-city format is also to be trialled in the Russian capital, Moscow. It was expressly made clear that the group intends to hold onto its operation in China, where it has 41 DIY stores at present. It is expected that the break-even point will be reached, despite a loss of £ eight mio so far in the current financial year.