The economist explained how the departure of Leroy Merlin will affect the Russian building materials market

The owner of the Leroy Merlin brand, the French company Adeo, announced its intention to sell all building materials stores in Russia. There are plans to transfer control of the network to local management. How this will change the market, “The Eastern Heraldin St. Petersburg,” said economist Vladimir Bragin.

According to the expert, the company’s decision seems strange. Not so long ago, the brand owner rejoiced at the departure of a number of competitors, and now he is “walking in their footsteps”, noted the economist.

However, such a move by Adeo should probably make Russian channels happy, Bragin said.

“The big Russian networks will be very happy with the start, it’s a competitive niche. Leroy Merlin is nothing unique, only a convenient location of stores, but they are unlikely to change anything in the market. Marketplaces will also be delighted – they have been waiting for a niche release for a long time, ”added the expert.