(MENAFN) Metro, the German retail and distribution behemoth is seriously considering to expand into Myanmar and Iran, especially after lifting the sanctions of the latter, and Burma recently opening up politically.

Additionally, preparations for the expansion of its whole cash and carry business are underway, and according to one of its top officials, the company will decide by the end of the current year which way its journey is headed.

In January, Western powers concluded a political standoff with Tehran, terminating sanctions after the UN's atomic watchdog established Iran had complied with its obligations to restrain its nuclear program.

The Dusseldorf-based giant is already present in nearly 30 nations in Europe and Asia, plus its brands include the consumer electronics chains Media Markt and Saturn, the supermarket chain Real and the hypermarkets Metro Cash&Carry.