Metro Said to Be in Talks to Sell Non-German Real Operations

Metro AG is in advanced talks with two companies to sell the non-German operations of its Real grocery stores as Chief Executive Officer Olaf Koch focuses on core markets, according to two people familiar with the matter.

French retailer Auchan is the leading bidder to buy Real’s international business, which includes stores in Poland, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey with sales of about 3 billion euros ($3.8 billion), said the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. No final decision has been made, and Metro still may decide against a sale, they said.