(Alliance News) - Tesco PLC on Friday said the Polish Competition Authority has approved the sale of its business in Poland to Denmark's Salling Group AS.
The FTSE 100-listed grocer previously had said the transaction includes 300 stores together with distribution centres and its Polish head office. The total enterprise value agreed for the transaction was PLN900 million, about GBP181 million.
The sale does not require shareholder approval and Tesco said it expects completion before the end of March. Following the sale, Tesco said its stores will be converted to Salling's Netto brand in 18 months.
"As part of a combined business with Salling Group, our stores and colleagues will be well set up for continued success, with opportunities for further growth in Poland," said Tesco Chief Executive Ken Murphy.
"The sale of Tesco Polska allows us to focus on growing our businesses in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia," added Murphy.
Commented Per Bank, CEO of Salling Group: "With the acquisition of Tesco Poland we are doubling our business in Poland, and will become a significant retailer in one of Europe's largest markets."
Salling currently operates 386 Netto shares in Poland. In total, the Brabrand, Denmark-based company has 1,400 stores across Denmark, Germany and Poland.
Tesco shares were trading 1.1% higher in London on Friday afternoon at 222.50 pence each.
By Evelina Grecenko; evelinagrecenko@alliancenews.com
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