Nano quits WB, German chain may too | 'Tatas won't stay'

Kolkata: After Tatas, it may be the turn of Germany wholesale chain Metro Cash and Carry to move out of West Bengal.

The company says it will rethink plans if its Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee licence is not renewed

Metro had filed for licence renewal in March but the Forward Bloc had raised objections to its operations in West Bengal.

The company will wait till Monday to take a decision.

The German Consul General has warned that denial of the licence will affect future German investment in the state.

When asked if Metro Cash and Carry will pull out of West Bengal, managing director, Metro Cash and Carry, Martin Dlouhy says, “We will be forced to think on all possible options if Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMG) license is not renewed.”

“We will be disappointed if we don’t get the license. It would adversely affect our business prospects in West Bengal. Our meetings with WB government including the CM have been very constructive. We are optimistic and hopeful,” he added.

German consul general Gunter Wehrman says, “Denying the license would sound the death knell for any future German investment in the state.

Vice President, international affairs, Metro Cash and Carry Henry Birr says, “Our precondition to start operations is the APMG license. We have decided in principle to wait till Monday to finalize our next step.

Metro has already invested 140 crore in Kolkata.

Metro Cash and Carry is an international leading player in self-service wholesale.

The company filed for issuance of fresh APMC license in March 2008 and is still awaiting for the renewal.

Forward Bloc has raised political objections against setting up of the wholesale facility.