METRO AG confirms currently evaluating potential efficiency measures with regard to its administrative structures, processes and business activities. The contemplated efficiency measures would be induced by and largely depended upon the envisaged divestment of the hypermarket business and the resulting reduced company size. The measures relate both to METRO AG headquarters and the international cross-functional and service companies.

The evaluation is at a very early stage. On the basis of the first preliminary top-down assessment, the implementation of the contemplated measures under assessment could lead to

- one-off costs of approximately EUR 30 to 65 million in the first financial year of implementation and

- recurring savings in a mid-double-digit million Euro-amount per year.

No decision has been taken yet on the implementation or the scope of possible measures, which have to be further assessed and evaluated in detail. After the finalization of the assessment in the next couple of months, the Management Board of METRO AG will decide hereon.