Rewe supermarkets in Russia to operate under Biop banner
23 April 2009
Rewe Group's new supermarkets in Russia will now open under the Biop banner rather than the Billa brand, it has been reported. This is due to legal issues since Marta, Rewe Group's expansion partner for its supermarket division in Russia and owner of the Billa trademark in the country, has gone into administration. Rewe is reportedly now in negotiations with Marta to acquire the 22.5% stake that Marta holds in the joint venture, Billa Russia GmbH, in which Rewe Group has a 75% interest. For the time being, Rewe Group has founded a new company for its future expansion, named Biop Ltd, which is 100% Rewe-owned.