Dusseldorf: Germany’s Metro AG is in talks to sell its Real supermarket stores outside its home market, joining the ranks of retailers looking to slim down amid subdued consumer spending.

Metro has long stated its wish to sell off Real and department store chain Kaufhof to focus on its cash & carry and consumer electronics stores, which it sees as having better long-term growth prospects as they expand in emerging markets. Two sources said Metro was talking to several parties and one said international bidders were involved, though cautioned negotiations were at an early stage and a deal was not imminent. Outside Germany, Real has a presence in Poland, Russia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.

Commerzbank analyst Juergen Elfers said a sale would allow Metro to cut some of its debt, which stood at 8.2 billion euros ($10.3 billion) at the end of the first half. He mentioned French retailer Auchan as a possible buyer. A spokesman for the French firm declined to comment.

Metro is not alone in wishing to sell operations in Poland and Turkey, with France’s Carrefour also reviewing the future of its operations there, the group’s CEO said as he presented details of a turnaround plan.

Many retailers are looking to slim down in order to focus on markets where they have leading positions and so maximise profits in a faltering global economy. Metro is still considering its options for Real, including a sale, partial sale or keeping it within its portfolio, a spokesman said.

Metro chief executive Olaf Koch had said in July he would give an update on Real’s future at the end of the third quarter. A buyer for the German operations may be hard to find. Big international retailers like Walmart and Delhaize have already tried and failed to get a foothold in the German grocery market, which is dominated by discounters like Aldi and Lidl.

Metro shares have lost a fifth of their value over the last year as the economic climate worsens and shoppers rein in spending. The group is in danger of dropping out of the Dax at the next index reshuffle taking place this month.