Metro CEO Says Things Will Get Better For Retailer

Metro AG CEO Olaf Koch said his company expects things to get better after two years of flat profit and a failed initial public offering of its Russian unit. About to mark his fifth year as chief executive of Germany’s largest retailer, Koch said his company will soon benefit from business moves it has taken, including the sale of its chain of department stores, startup investments, and an expansion move for its e-commerce operations. Also, the company plans to invest in startups it hopes will bring it closer to restaurants, hoteliers, and independent grocers that buy from its stores.