German retailer Metro plans to sell its wholesale business in Vietnam.

Reports link Thai company Berli Jucker as the leading contender to buy the 19 wholesale stores in Vietnam for $500 million with talks already advanced.

The sale is part of Metro’s overhaul of its sprawling businesses to improve profitability.

Thai import and export company Berli Jucker has already presence in Vietnam as it owns 65 per cent of Thai An, which operates B’s Mart convenience stores in Ho Chi Minh City.