OSK Research has maintained its forecast of Aeon Co (M) Bhd (Aeon Malaysia)'s earnings at RM146.5 million for financial year 2010 and RM158.7 million for 2011.

This is in view that Aeon Japan's proposed acquisition of French retail giant Carrefour's Asian assets will have no impact on the company for now since Aeon Malaysia operates as a separate entity.

Aeon Malaysia is also not involved in the bidding, but OSK said in a research report today that Aeon Japan might seek the former's assistance in managing Carrefour Malaysia and Singapore, given its extensive experience in the local retail industry.

Besides this, Aeon Japan and Aeon Malaysia have worked together in exploring business opportunities in Vietnam.

Aeon Japan is bidding for French retail giant Carrefour's Asia assets.

Carrefour has 40 stores in Thailand, 19 in Malaysia and two outlets in Singapore.

The acquisition, when complete, would almost triple Aeon Japan's outlets in the three Southeast Asian nations to 99 stores.

OSK maintained a buy call on Aeon Malaysia, whose shares on Bursa Malaysia rose 5.0 sen to RM5.25 sen as at midday close.
-- Bernama