Wal-Mart Forms Joint-Venture Supply Operation in India

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores here yesterday said it has established a joint venture with an Indian company to develop a wholesale distribution and logistics business in India. The Indian company, Bharti Enterprises, operates retail stores and other businesses in the country. The two companies will each have a 50% stake in Bharti Wal-Mart Private Ltd., which will seek to leverage Wal-Mart’s supply chain expertise to provide product to kirana stores (tiny mom-and-pop food outlets), produce resellers, restaurants and other businesses. The joint venture also would open cash-and-carry outlets of 50,000-100,000 square feet, beginning by the end of next year. Over the next seven years, Bharti Wal-Mart said it could open up to 10-15 such outlets offering perishables, grocery items, clothing, consumer durables and other general merchandise.

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