Praktiker pins hopes on Max Bahr

Within the framework of the reorientation of Praktiker AG’s two-brand strategy, Max Bahr is to be developed into the group’s main channel of distribution in the German home market, where there will be 200 branches offering comprehensive coverage by the end of 2013 and an opening up of new customer segments in the trade area. Up to 100 stores are to continue in operation under the Praktiker brand name. This concept, which has the support both of the group’s future investor Anchorage Capital Europe and of its major existing financiers, will form the basis of the proceedings of the 2012 AGM that is due to be held in Hamburg on 4 July.To date Max Bahr operates 78 stores with the emphasis on northern Germany. By the end of 2013 some 125 of the 234 Praktiker branches are to be converted to the more highly ranked sister brand. The bigger outlets are most likely to be considered for rebadging.