Business opportunity for Quebec SMEs: Meetings with Leroy Merlin Russia

MONTREAL , Oct. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - The World Trade Centre Montréal, the international trade experts of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal , is pleased to play host to a buyer from Leroy Merlin Russia and an expert in the Russian market in Brossard today. This initiative results from a collaboration with Quebec's Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation, Développement économique Longueuil and Laval Technopole.

With over 236 stores in Europe , Brazil , China and Russia , sales of 4.3 billion euros and over 2,700 suppliers, Leroy Merlin is the sixth largest company worldwide in the renovation centre sector. In Russia , Leroy Merlin is growing quickly, with 11 stores currently and 35 more planned by 2013. Over 70% of the products available come from outside Russia .

"We are pleased to present this business opportunity for the Russian market to some 50 businesses taking part in this seminar," says Michel Leblanc , President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the World Trade Centre Montréal. "Around 20 businesses will have individual meetings with the Leroy Merlin Russia representative and an expert in the Russian market. It's also a great opportunity for business people to network with each other and, who knows, maybe meet future partners. For a number of Quebec SMEs, Russia is a very attractive and growing market. The role of our team of international trade experts is to guide them in their efforts on foreign markets."

"The residential and commercial construction sectors are growing in Russia thanks to a number of residence-related governmental programs. The demand in this sector is clear. The quality of our products and their low cost compared with Russian products make them very attractive. The main needs identified by the buyers are in kitchens and basements, home decor, construction equipment and materials, doors and windows as well as gardens and landscaping. I'm confident that Quebec's SMEs will take advantage of their added value to differentiate themselves. Plus, for our entrepreneurs, this can be an entry point to other markets where Leroy Merlin has a presence, whether Europe , Brazil or China ," concluded Mr. Leblanc .

Through its World Trade Centre Montréal experts and with the support of Canada Economic Development, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal offers international trade services to the greater business community. The World Trade Centre Montréal is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

For further information: Sylvie Paquette, Coordinator, Media relations, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, [phone], ext. 4015, [email protected]