International expansion
International expansion has been at the heart of Kingfisher's strategy for many years
International expansion has been at the heart of Kingfisher's strategy for many years. This strategy has continued in a measured way over the years, leading to a strong and fast-growing portfolio of international businesses which today provide strong growth and attractive economic returns for Kingfisher.
| Households million | GDP growth (%) 2009 estimated | Market size £bn |
Market share % |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 25 | -3.2 | 26 | 16.5 |
| Ireland | 1.5 | -4.0 | 2 | 5 |
| France | 26 | -1.8 | 31 | 12.5 |
| Other International | ||||
| Poland | 14 | 1.5 | 7 | 15 |
| Turkey | 16 | -1.5 | 6 | 4 |
| Spain | 14 | -2.9 | 5 | 2 |
| Russia | 53 | 1.0 | 16 | 1 |
| China | 374 | 6.0 | 29 | 2 |
Kingfisher’s 18 years of international expansion has been based on several key principles:
- Identify those markets that offer real scale, with opportunities for growth and returns
- Research the market in depth
- Build a strong local team from local nationals and allow local management autonomy, subject to close central monitoring of Key Performance Indicators
- Share ideas, resources and suppliers from around Kingfisher to create local advantage but adapt the business model to the local environment
- Expand once the business case is proven, and exit if it is not.
