Plans to maintain Leroy Merlin's activities and even expand it were confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, which oversees retail, state secretary and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Evtukhov said, according to the ministry's press service.
"The chain will not only continue to operate and retain its entire staff, but also plans to open new stores. The company's performance is good, the Russian representative office of Leroy Merlin has effective management with which we have been cooperating for many years," he said.
The deputy minister noted that representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade "are in touch with the company." "We note that the owner, French group Adeo, made a civilized and reasonable decision to transfer assets in Russia to local management. We will follow the events and help the Russian managers resolve all emerging issues," Evtukhov said.
Earlier, the DIY retailer's parent company Adeo said Leroy Merlin plans to transfer control of its Russia business to local management.
