Reliance Industries was set to acquire German retailer Metro’s Cash & Carry business in India in a deal estimated at around 500 million euros (Rs 4,060 crore), industry sources said. 

The deal included 31 wholesale distribution centres, land banks and other assets owned by Metro Cash & Carry here, they said. 

This acquisition is going to help Reliance Retail, the country’s largest retailer, expand its presence in the B2B segment. 

Discussion between billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries and Metro was going on for the past few months, and last week, the German parent company had agreed to the offer from Reliance Retail, they added. 

When contacted, both Metro and Reliance Industries declined to comment on the development. 

A Reliance spokesperson said: “Our company evaluates various opportunities on an ongoing basis.” 

Metro’s spokesperson said: “We do no comment on market rumour or speculations.” 

Metro Cash & Carry’s customers include retailers and kirana stores, hotels, restaurants and caterers, corporate entities, SMEs, companies and institutions. 

The B2B segment is considered to be a low-margin business and multinationals, such as Carrefour, have exited from the country in 2014. 

In July 2020, e-commerce major Flipkart Group acquired 100 per cent stake in Walmart India, which operates the Best Price cash-and-carry business. 

Other retailers are also in the race to acquire Metro Cash & Carry, including Siam Makro, which operates Lots Wholesale cash-and-carry trading business under the brand name LOTS Wholesale Solutions.