IKEA to invest $1.2bn in India

The IKEA logo is seen outside the Wembley branch of the Swedish international furniture and home accessories company in west London. File picture: Toby Melville

The IKEA logo is seen outside the Wembley branch of the Swedish international furniture and home accessories company in west London. File picture: Toby Melville

Published Jun 22, 2012

Share

India's commerce ministry says Swedish retailer IKEA has applied to invest a total of Euro 1.5 billion ($1.2 billion) to open 25 stores in the country.

The ministry said in a statement Friday that IKEA plans to initially invest Euro 600 million, followed by an additional Euro 900 million to create a wholly owned subsidiary in India.

India recently changed its investment rules for foreign retailers, to allow single brand companies like IKEA to open wholly owned subsidiaries. The government failed to push through a more controversial measure that would allow supermarkets like Wal-Mart to open stores here.

IKEA chief executive Mikael Ohlsson and India's commerce minister Anand Sharma met in St. Petersburg, Russia on Friday and finalised the deal. - Sapa-AP

Related Topics: