Expansion in Ukraine as well

Alexei Revin, head of Leroy Merlin in Ukraine, is less keen to issue statements in respect of his company’s development in the country than his colleague in Moscow. In an interview with www.ua-retail.com he estimated the growth of the Ukrainian DIY market at an annual rate of 16 – 17 per cent, and at nine per cent in the capital Kiev. He wanted to keep a low profile on the subject of the number of openings on the cards for 2013 and 2014. “That information is secret. But I can say that we will be well represented in Kiev,” he said. At year’s end the company intends to open another store in Kiev. It is also planning new openings in the regions. For his company’s expansion in Ukraine Revin doesn’t rule out any options: newbuild, rental or acquisition of competitors. According to Revin, Leroy Merlin has invested approx. € 100 mio in Ukraine over the past two to three years, but operates only the one store in Kiev so far. At present he sees Epicentr as the only serious competition.