BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Wal-Mart is among several retailers interested in buying Lenta, the Russian retail chain, according to a published report by Vedomosti, the Russian newspaper.
Other retailers eyeing Lenta include Carrefour and Germany’s Metro chain.
Lenta is estimated to generate $2 billion in annual sales.
In April, Wal-Mart tapped Stephan Fanderl to be president of Wal-Mart emerging markets.
In this role, Fanderl is spearheading the retailer’s efforts to explore “business opportunities in Russia and neighboring markets,” Wal-Mart said in a statement.
Fanderl joined Wal-Mart from the Rewe Group, a German retailer.
Wal-Mart did not return calls by press time seeking confirmation.