Tesco considers selling Central European retail operations

Reports indicate that Tesco may be analyzing the possibility of selling its business operations in Central Europe, specifically covering the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. The retailer currently operates approximately 560 stores across these three nations and employs over 22,000 people.

A potential exit from these markets would impact various services, including online deliveries, Tesco Mobile, fuel stations, and the Clubcard loyalty program. In Slovakia, such a move could provide an opportunity for Biedronka to accelerate its regional expansion, as the network has already shown growth in the area.

Tesco has not officially confirmed plans to exit these markets or sell its Central European assets. This potential shift would represent a further retreat from the company's previous ambitions to be a dominant global retail player, focusing instead on its home market. The company previously exited the Polish market in 2021, selling its stores to the Salling Group.