Real boss: We want a store in northern Bucharest

Autor: Ioana Mihai 18.01.2011

Real hypermarket network, currently owning 25 stores, plans to expand further, by opening new stores or even through acquisitions.
"We want a store in the northern part of Bucharest," stated Michel Lamoot, general manager of Real Romania network, without providing further details.
He states Bucharest has "areas uncovered by hypermarkets because land prices have been high in recent years. Prices have not changed dramatically, but they are more affordable".
Another expansion path for the network would be through acquisitions, says Lamoot, who has run the firm for over a year. Since his arrival, the company has seen its figures improve, but it has not stepped into the black.
Real, owning the broadest hypermarket network, in 2009 reported 760m-euro turnover, up from 2008. The company in 2009 logged 57m-euro losses and Lamoot says the figures are not unusual for a company that has expanded rapidly.
About 2010 figures, Lamoot did not provide any details, but specified that against 2009 and 2008 ones, "we are in better shape".