METRO AG has taken the decision to discontinue its business activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan by the end of March 2027. In consequence, all six stores and the delivery operations of METRO Kazakhstan will be closed in a phased approach.
This decision follows a focused review of the long-term prospects of METRO's business in Kazakhstan over the past months. Despite significant efforts of the local team to strengthen METRO Kazakhstan's value proposition and adapt its wholesale operations to the local market landscape, the business continued to face challenges in creating a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
“It is with great regret that we have decided to cease our operations in Kazakhstan. This decision follows a thorough assessment of the long-term prospects of the business and in no way reflects the engagement and contribution of our local team, which has built a respected wholesale business and served customers across the country for many years with full dedication,” said Christiane Giesen, Chief Operating Officer and Labour Director of METRO AG Board Member. “On behalf of the Management Board, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our colleagues for their enduring commitment. Our priority now is to manage this process responsibly and respectfully for our 650 employees, as well as for our business partners.”
METRO entered Kazakhstan in October 2009 as the first international wholesale company, marking an important milestone for European investment and the modernisation of trade infrastructure in the country. Since then, METRO has invested substantially in its store network, logistics, supply chain, workforce, and commercial partnerships. Over the past years, METRO Kazakhstan has sharpened its profile as a partner for hospitality businesses and traders. Accordingly, the company has expanded its delivery operations to enhance its wholesale capabilities. Despite these efforts, METRO Kazakhstan continued to face challenges in building a growth perspective, which sustains in a specialised food wholesale market with a geographically dispersed customer base.
METRO Kazakhstan will make every effort to support its employees throughout the transition in a fair and respectful manner and in full compliance with all applicable labour law requirements. At the same time, the local management team will ensure that all forthcoming steps are implemented responsibly towards customers, business partners and other stakeholders over the coming months.
