The Germans are going abroad

German DIY multiples are entertaining plans for extensive expansion abroad in the near future. New openings are imminent in the case of OBI, Praktiker, Bauhaus and Hornbach. Following is a summary of their plans:
OBI
China: Around 100 stores should be in operation by 2012.
Poland: The group’s network of stores is to grow from 20 to 50 in the medium term.
Switzerland: New outlets are scheduled for Oftingen, St. Gallen and Winterthur.
Russia: There are plans for two stores in the Moscow area.
Praktiker
Poland: There is provision for new locations in densely populated urban areas.
Romania: Two new stores are planned.
Russia, Bulgaria: It is planned to enter the market of one or two countries each year in the immediate future. Mentioned as possible candidate countries are Russia and Bulgaria.
Turkey
Hungary: April or May should see the opening of store No. 14.
Bauhaus
Denmark
Finland: One new outlet is scheduled for Helsinki.
Croatia: New branches are to be established in Zadar and Zagreb.
Sweden: There are plans for Stockholm as a location.
Switzerland
Czech Republic: One new branch is scheduled for Prague.
Turkey
Hagebau
Austria: New-build stores are scheduled.
Poland: New-build stores are scheduled.
Hornbach
Netherlands: The stores at Nieuwegen, Nieuwerker and Geleen are being renovated.
Austria: The opening of the St. Pölten branch is scheduled for the end of February at the latest.
Sweden: Market entry is planned for 2003.
Switzerland: A store is due to open at Etoy in the west of Switzerland by the end of February at the latest.
AVA
Russia: The opening of the Marktkauf location in Moscow, which has already been postponed twice, should finally take place in early 2003.