Investments / Divestments

In financial year 2018/19, METRO invested €499 million, considerably less than the investment amount in the . The decline in investments is mainly due to a more selective expansion activity. With 3 new store openings in financial year 2018/19, it declined compared to the previous year (2017/18: 9 new store openings), which is attributable in particular to the development in Russia. 1 new METRO store was opened in the current financial year, compared to 4 stores in the previous year. The 2 additional new openings are a smaller and more cost-effective store format in Turkey and Croatia. There were no closures in financial year 2018/19.

In addition, the decrease in investments resulted, among other things, from special projects in financial year 2017/18, such as the expansion of the logistics network as well as project developments in Germany. These special projects were not offset by projects of a comparable magnitude in the reporting period. Further progress was also made in improving capital efficiency in the areas of concept conversions and delivery sales.

The investment focus in financial year 2018/19 included IT and digitalisation. Investments in these areas increased compared to the . In addition to investments in the newly established online marketplace METRO MARKETS, above all digital services for customers and IT solutions for the delivery sales were further expanded.

Furthermore, an increase in lease extensions and investments in maintenance was recorded for the reporting year.

Proceeds of €505 million (2017/18: €271 million) were received from divestments (including disposals of subsidiaries, but excluding cash investments), resulting mainly from the disposal of properties.

  • For more information about divestments, see the cash flow statement in the consolidated financial statements as well as the notes to the consolidated financial statements in no. 41 – notes to the cash flow statement.
METRO investments

 

 

 

Change

€ million

2017/18

2018/19

absolute

%

Germany

65

69

4

5.7

Western Europe (excl. Germany)

127

128

1

0.9

Russia

83

35

−48

−57.8

Eastern Europe (excl. Russia)

69

63

−6

−8.4

Asia

28

26

−2

−7.1

Others

195

180

−15

−7.5

Consolidation

−2

−2

0

−29.4

METRO

565

499

−66

−11.7

Previous year
Period of 12 months, usually cited as reference for statements in an annual report.
Glossary
Previous year
Period of 12 months, usually cited as reference for statements in an annual report.
Glossary
Wholesale, METRO Wholesale
The METRO Wholesale segment comprises the METRO Wholesale sales line of METRO AG with 678 wholesale stores across 34 countries worldwide. This also includes the delivery business (Food Service Distribution) with the METRO delivery service and companies like the delivery specialists Classic Fine Foods, Pro à Pro and Rungis Express.
Glossary