CARREFOUR PRUNES BIDDERS LIST AFTER FIRST ROUND

Carrefour Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok, Thailand 

Carrefour has reportedly narrowed down the list of groups that it may sell its Southeast Asian outlets to, with rivals Aeon, Tesco and Dairy Farm reportedly out of the running. According to media reports, some of the bidders that have made it through to the second round include Casino, Central Group, Berli Jucker, and PTT. 

If confirmed, the decision would be a major setback to Tesco and Aeon, which had been seen as frontrunners for the stores, which fit in with their aggressive expansion plans in the region. The reports said that the firms being cut out were believed to have submitted a price that Carrefour found too low. 

The second round bids are reportedly due in November.