International News - Metro ventures east into India and Ukraine

Metro, the German retail conglomerate, is continuing international expansion with new stores this financial year in India and Ukraine.

Metro's eponymous cash and carry format will be launched in both countries, and the first two Indian outlets are expected to open soon in Bangalore.

Last year, international sales, as a share of the total, rose 46 per cent as the retailer fought to combat the prolonged consumer downturn in its domestic economy. The international divisions accounted for 62 per cent of earnings before interest and tax.

However, chief executive Dr Hans-Joachim Korber said expansion would carry on in Germany and 45 new Saturn and MediaMarket stores are planned 'at home and abroad'.