Kaufland Follow Lidl Into Serbian Market

Media reports in Germany have stated that hypermarket chain Kaufland is preparing to expand its oper…

Media reports in Germany have stated that hypermarket chain Kaufland is preparing to expand its operations into the Serbian market.

Kaufland, owned by Germany's third-richest person, Dieter Schwarz, is in the process of setting up a regional subsidiary in Serbia as a step towards its expansion to the country, Lebensmittel Zeitung reported last week, without disclosing its sources.

Kaufland officials declined to comment when contacted by the German retail trade magazine.

Elsewhere in Southeast Europe, Kaufland owns stores in Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia.

Last month the Serbian trade minister Rasim Ljajic said Lidl, another discounter owned by Schwarz, is expected to start the construction of its first supermarkets in Serbia in the second half of 2014. Lidl will confirm locations by June in at least 15 towns which is a prerequisite for the launch of its operations in the country, Ljajic added.