There are 1,000 Biedronka supermarkets in Poland

The retailer keeps growing. In three years, it plans to launch operations in Romania and Ukraine. IPO is considered as well.

Biedronka discount shops developed in Poland by Portuguese Jeronimo Martins (JM), is celebrating the launch of its 1,000th shop. In the first half of the year, sales grew over 30 percent to PLN 4.1 billion (EUR 1.1 billion) against the same period of 2006.

“In the years 2007, 2008 and 2009, we want to launch 120 Biedronka shops annually and invest nearly EUR 500m in Poland”, Pedro Pereira da Silva, Jeronimo Martins Dystrybucja general director said.

The company will build its seventh distribution center as well.

“In 2010 we will probably launch operations in Romania and Ukraine”, E. Alexandre Soares dos Santos, Jeronimo Martins CEO said.

Expansion abroad will be supported by Polish staff. It is also possible that JM will look for capital on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.

“We have other things to do now but in due time we will discuss it”, E. Alexandre Soares dos Santos said.

JM estimates that it has nearly 75 percent in retail market in Western Europe and 50 percent in Poland.

(PLN 1 = EUR 0.265)

Source: pulsbiznesu.pl