MAX to be rebranded as Auchan

Max Hypermarket and Auchan Group have signed a franchise agreement for the development of the hypermarket business in India

The existing stores of Max Hypermarket will be rebranded ‘Auchan’ and shall operate under the franchise agreement. Ramanathan Hariharan, Director, Landmark Group, commented, "We are very pleased at this new relationship with Auchan, one of the largest and most successful hypermarket operators in the world.The  Landmark Group has agressive growth plans for India, across various verticals ; and we believe that Auchan are the right franchise partners for us, as we continue to set benchmarks in Indian retailing.’

Commenting on the partnership, Viney Singh, Managing Director, Max Hypermarket, said, “We are confident that this new relationship will help our company further enhance the standards of hypermarket retailing in the country, besides strengthening our back-end supply chain and processes. Auchan’s expertise in managing hypermarkets and our understanding of the Indian market will ensure we bring the best of value, choice and experience to our customers.”

"We share with Max Hypermarket, a renowned retailer operator in India, the same vision of business and look forward to sharing our know-how to foster the development of its hypermarkets under our brand. We consider this new franchise partnership in India as a great opportunity for Auchan to enhance its brand on a very high potential market, characterized by dynamism and a strong economic growth ", said Philippe Baroukh, General Manager, Hypermarkets of the Auchan Group.

The existing stores will be rebranded in Q4 of 2012. The partnership is aimed at reinforcing the business objectives of both organisations in providing customers with best of value, choice and experience.

Max Hypermarkets and Auchan plan to open 12 - 15 new stores in a year across various geographies in India.