Tesco has refused to be drawn on reports linking it to a possible takeover bid for the retail arm of Polish firm Emperia.
The UK’s largest retailer, French rival Carrefour and a number of private-equity firms have been reported to be looking to make an offer for the division, which includes the Lewiatan chain.
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A Reuters report yesterday named the two retail giants and private-equity firms Advent International, Mid Europa Partners and Penta Investments among a dozen potential buyers for the business.
When contacted by just-food today (27 September), Tesco declined to comment. Officials at Carrefour, Mid Europa Partners and Penta Investments could not be reached for immediate comment.
Advent International, which owns a debt collection firm and a publisher of eductaional material in Poland, said it was looking for further investments in the country but declined to comment directly on Emperia.
“Like many other private-equity funds, we do not comment on our future investments strategies,” a spokesperson said. “We are interested in all companies with a growth potential and are actively sourcing for investment opportunities in the Polish and regional markets.”
The spokesperson added: “As you know such processes are ruled by extremely strict non-disclosure agreements. Therefore I cannot comment on any of those type of inquiries.”
According to Reuters, Monday is the deadline for indicative bids for Emperia’s retail arm.
