NEWS

The French network “Auchan” has legal proceedings with “Arshan” supermarket in Russia.

Auchan group that owns system of hypermarkets all over the world is going to have a legal proceeding with a small Moscow store “Arshan” for using the trademark that is similar because of its phonation. The suit against “Arshan” LLC (Moscow) from Auchan group (France, Croix) was published yesterday on the website of Moscow Arbitration Tribunal.

Auchan Group was established in France in 1961. Retailer has been working in Russia since 2002. At present moment the network consists of 30 hypermarkets “Auchan” and 8 supermarkets “Atack”. The Group owns 1,950 stores all over the world (according to the information in the beginning of 2009). In 2008 the receipts amounted EUR 39,5 billion while the clear profit  - EUR 727 million.

According to the documents of Moscow Arbitration Tribunal Auchan Group company claimed a suit against “Arshan” LLC that is registered in Moscow. The company deals with wholesale trade of foodstuffs, including beverage food and tobacco goods.

Dzhemal Kereselidze is now the head of "Arshan". In 2007 the gain of LLC has made 10,8 million rbl. To the address indicated is located the shop with a signboard "Arshan" executed in yellow and red colours.The company declared that Lawyers of the Auchan Russian branch do not have information regarding this claim.  However, the lawyers of the head company could appeal to the court - in materials of Arbitration court is indicated the city of Krua where is the headquarters of Auchan located.The representative of  "Аrshan" shop has been surprised by the claim from French retailer. According to his words, Auchan lawyers have not contacted  the shop on this question. «Arshar» is translated from the Kalmyk as "well-being", - as the interlocutor of RBC Daily  confirms. - We expected that such name will bring luck to shop, and it has never come to our mind that this name is similar to "Auchan".

RBC Daily