Assignment Task Background CARREFOUR CHECKS OUT OF GREECE AND SETS EYES ON UK Carrefour was founded in Annecy-France in 1959 by Marcel Fournier, a textile retailer, and Louis Defforey, a wine and food wholesaler. The company is currently France's number one supermarket chain and is ranked fourth after Costco, Tesco and Walmart respectively, globally. In June 2012, Carrefour announced that it has sold its Greek supermarket to its local partner and walked away from the country at a loss, offering concrete evidence of foreign investors cutting ties with Greece as a result of deepening economic crisis and political upheaval. A host of international companies said they were preparing contingency plans for such a risk, with many voicing concerns about how to retrieve cash in the event of Greece leaving the 17-nation common currency (Euro). Carrefour had operated in the country for 21 years and Greece was its second largest market in Europe in terms of number of stores. According to analysts, economic and political turbulence in the country played a vital part in Carrefour deciding to quit the market. As part of their expansion strategy into foreign markets, they have set their eyes on Britain as a lucrative target. You are required to write an analytical business report that covers the following three tasks: TASK 1 Describe the Micro and Macro environmental factors which Carrefour must take into consideration to reduce their risk of failure if they eventually decide to enter the UK market (700 words). (40 marks) TASK 2 Explain to the management of Carrefour how UK Government policies on mergers and acquisitions can affect their growth strategies in the UK (500 words). (30 marks) TASK 3 Explain how the management at Carrefour can use the Kurt Lewin Change Model of Unfreeze, Change and Refreeze to prepare their staff for the envisaged UK venture. (500 words) (30 marks) Your report (which must be written in business report format), should comprise of the following sections: • An introduction which explains what the report is all about and highlights on what is to be covered in the report. (100 words) • The body which describes the micro and macro environmental factors which Carrefour must consider to enter the UK market, an explanation of the UK Government policy on mergers and acquisitions and how Carrefour can apply the Kurt Lewin's change model to implement a new training system in the organisation. (1700 words) • Conclusion which includes a critical evaluation of Carrefour and its planning strategy. (100 words) • Recommendations to Carrefour on how to go about their planning. (100 words) • Bibliography showing all sources of references.