PARIS: Privately-held French supermarket operator Leclerc has been
approached by US technology group Amazon over possible logistics partnerships,
as speculation intensifies over Amazon's intentions in the supermarket sector.
"Yes, we have been approached by Amazon," Michel-Edouard
Leclerc, who heads the company, told Reuters on Oct 4.
"Amazon could – why not? – be our logistics partner," he
added.
Leclerc's comments come after French newspaper Le Monde reported this
week that Amazon had approached various French supermarket operators –
including Casino – about setting up distribution deals or making an acquisition
in the country.
Traders had also cited market speculation last month that Amazon could
be interested in bidding for French supermarket operator Carrefour. Both Casino
and Carrefour said they do not comment on market rumours.
Amazon bought Whole Foods Market this year for
US$13.7bil in a deal that marked a dramatic change in strategy for
a company that had offered food delivery through its Fresh service for a decade
but had not previously made any major dents in the US$700bil grocery market. — Reuters
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