German retailer Metro has refused to be drawn on rumours it is holding talks with interested buyers for its domestic retail business, Extra.

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Metro has admitted a sale is one option for the business, although it insists no decision has been made on its future.


Reports in Germany have claimed that Metro has held discussions with local rivals Edeka and Rewe. However, Metro, the world’s third-largest retailer, remains coy over its long-term plans for Extra.


“There are a lot of rumours in the market but we never comment on rumours,” a spokesman told just-food today (29 October) “We have confirmed that there are several possibilities for the business but selling is only one option.”


The spokesman said Metro could look to rebrand its 252 Extra stores as Real Mini outlets. Real is Metros’ hypermarket business in Germany, a market in which discounters Aldi and Lidl account for 40% of food sales.

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Officials at Rewe and Edeka could not be reached for immediate comment.

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