Wal-Mart Stores is reportedly in talks with Matahari Putra Prima over a possible partnership to develop the Indonesian retailer’s hypermarkets.
In November, the US retail giant was understood to have joined the bidding for Matahari’s hypermarket chain Hypermart. Wal-Mart was said to be competing in an auction for the chain with South Korea’s Lotte Shopping, France’s Casino and private-equity fund Carlyle.
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However, last month, Matahari Putra Prima said it would keep its hypermarket business and instead plan to bring on a global partner to help it expand the division.
According to Reuters this morning (8 February), Wal-Mart is in talks with the group on a possible partnership deal. South Korea’s Lotte Shopping is said to have pulled out of discussions.
“Lotte is out due to disagreement over pricing and branding,” a source told the publication.
Wal-Mart could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.
