Kingfisher buys Praktiker in Romania

British Do-It-Yourself group Kingfisher, which is the parent company of the local retailer Brico Depot Romania, has fully acquired the DIY retailer Praktiker Romania from the Turkish investor Omer Susli, who is active in the construction sector. Praktiker is one of the biggest construction materials and home decor retailers in Romania. In 2014, the German group Praktiker sold its operations in Romania to Omer Susli. He was the president of the Association of Turkish Businessmen in Romania (TIAD). Praktiker Romania recorded a turnover of EUR 139.5 million last year, up 3% over the previous year. Its losses amounted to EUR 2.5 million, similar to 2015. In 2014, the company saw a profit of over EUR 20.4 million. Praktiker currently has 1,700 employees in Romania. In April 2013, British group Kingfisher bought the 15 stores operated by Bricostore Romania from the Bresson group for EUR 75 million and later rebranded them Brico Depot. The Brico Depot network had a turnover of EUR 146 million in 2016, with 15 stores and close to 840 employees in Romania. Praktiker Romania sees 3% increase in sales editor@romania-insider.com