VietNamNet Bridge - Bloomberg has quoted a close source as saying that Aeon - the giant retailer from Japan – is approaching an agreement to acquire the Big C Vietnam chain of France’s Casino Group.

Aeon now takes the lead in the group of investors who wanted to buy Big C Vietnam, after filing the initial valuation of this retail chain for more than $800 million. However, the source said the deal had not been completed. If it goes well, the deal could be announced this week.

Meanwhile, Reuters yesterday said more than 10 companies had filed for the auction for Big C Vietnam. A firm assessed this retail chain at $1.11 billion.

Aeon (Japan), Masan (Vietnam), Lotte Group (Korea), Berli Jucker and Central Group (Thailand) are in the group that have filed before the deadline of March 10.

In late 2015, the Casino Group, the owner of Big C Vietnam brand, announced the plan on financial restructuring to reduce debt in 2016, which refers to the sale of Big C supermarket chain in Vietnam. In January 2016, Casino Group said it wanted to raise 4 billion Euros through the sale of its businesses in Colombia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Aeon now runs a chain of supermarkets and discount stores in Vietnam. According to the company website, by the end of 2013, Aeon had 550 employees in Vietnam.

S. Tung