Expansion in the Baltic

Rautakesko, the building and DIY arm of the Finnish Kesko group, has plans to enter the market in Lithuania. The Finns have come to an agreement with UAB Senuku Prekybos Centras, the biggest hardware and building materials dealer in the country, on the acquisition of the majority of their shares. The takeover of the market leader, which achieved net sales of € 100 mio in 2001, is to be concluded by the end of 2002.