In July 2006, French retail group Auchan announced its intention to open the first commercial centre on the Romanian market in Bucharest. “At present (in July), our team comprises 60 employees. As of this month we start a massive recruitment process that will result in an increasing number of employees up to 1,000”, stated Mariana Dragan, PR manager of MGV Distri-Hiper, the Auchan's arm in Romania. On 30 October the company announced that new hypermarket will be opened on 7 November and will have 800 employees. Auchan’s plans in Romania aim at further expansion involving two shops opening per year. The second announced hypermarket in Romania is to be opened next year and will be located in Bucharest as well. “Until 2008, Auchan Romania will have about 4,000 employees,” added Dragan. Retail companies from Romania have stated that by the end of the year they will employ some 6,000 people due to a territorial expansion and openings of new stores.