Bharti Announces Strategic Roadmap for its Retail Venture

Will invest US $ 2 to 2.5 billion by 2015 and open multi-format retail outlets across all cities in India with a population of over one million

* Bharti Retail looking at approximately 10 million square feet of retail experience

* Will employ around 60,000 people

* Consumers can look forward to affordable prices, great quality & wider choice

New Delhi, February 19, 2007: Bharti Retail (Pvt.) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharti Enterprises, today announced the strategic roadmap for its retail operations. As part of its plans to provide a world-class retailing experience to consumers across India, the Company has planned an investment of $ US 2 to 2.5 billion by 2015. Bharti Retail plans pan-India operations and is looking at approximately 10 million square feet of retail experience across all cities in India with a population of over one million. The 60,000 people, it plans to employ, will include ex-servicemen and women and provide multi faceted career opportunities for youth of India.

Bharti Retail will launch its retail outlets in multiple consumer friendly formats, which will include Hypermarkets and Supermarkets. For the small store format, Bharti Retail is also looking at partnering with existing local store owners across India through a franchise model. Bharti Retail proposes to serve all regular shopping requirements of an average Indian household. This will include all food and grocery categories, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy products, staples, FMCG and processed foods, electronics and appliances, clothing and footwear, furniture and furnishing, and other household articles. Bharti Retail will keep adding to the product portfolio in line with consumer aspirations, preferences and trends in the international market.

Mr. Rajan Bharti Mittal, Joint Managing Director, Bharti Enterprises said, "After revolutionising the Indian telecom sector, retail will be the next big focus area for Bharti. Organised retail, which currently accounts for only 3% of the total market, has tremendous growth potential in the fast expanding Indian economy. Not only will it benefit millions of consumers but also farmers, small manufacturers and artisans. The sector will also offer enormous direct and indirect employment opportunities while attracting huge i­nvestments in building the supply chain infrastructure, adding to the economic growth of India, especially in rural areas."

"Bharti with its in-depth understanding of the Indian consumer, experience of running all India operations, ability to attract & grow talent and capability to deliver a great experience at affordable prices, is uniquely placed in the Indian retail sector. We will bring great value to consumers by offering quality products at affordable prices", he added.

In addition to providing choice and quality to consumers at affordable prices, the efficient supply chain management and ‘on time’ availability of goods will help fight inflation. Bharti’s retail chain will provide ready outlets to the relatively ‘unknown’ brands of small manufacturers, which are sold as private labels. A significant percentage of the overall volumes are expected to be sourced from the small-scale sector.

Source : Equity Bulls

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