Tesco considers selling Czech and Slovak retail operations

Tesco is considering the sale of its operations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as part of a long-term strategy to refocus on its primary UK market. The British retailer has reportedly engaged investment banks Citigroup and Goldman Sachs to prepare for the potential divestment.

Three major retail groups are identified as potential bidders for the combined Czech and Slovak business: the Schwarz Group (owner of Lidl and Kaufland), Ahold Delhaize (which operates Albert), and Jerónimo Martins (the owner of Biedronka). The Czech portion of the business is estimated to be valued at approximately 15 billion CZK.

In Slovakia, Tesco operates 187 stores across various formats, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and Tesco Express locations. Any acquisition by a major player like the Schwarz Group would likely trigger a detailed review by the Slovak Anti-Monopoly Office to assess the impact on competition and consumers. The first formal offers from interested parties are expected by the end of September.