Carrefour's rivals in China have also faced problems with their businesses there.

Carrefour said in the filing the deal value would be much lower.

Carrefour is facing pressure to revive its flagging share price at home.

Both Casino and Carrefour said they do not comment on market rumors.

Casino, whose arch-rival in France is Carrefour, is opposed to the plan.

That competitive advantage now goes to Carrefour, said Bernstein analyst Bruno Monteyne.

In March, Carrefour reported its first fall in operating profit since 2012.

EXPERIENCE Garnier also previously oversaw Carrefour France's supermarkets and its international operations.

Carrefour and its top shareholders declined to comment on the search process.

We await his strategy on hypermarkets and new technologies where Carrefour lags,

Some investors believe Carrefour is too influenced by Arnault and Colony Capital.

Because these disposals could take time, Carrefour may look for other alternatives.

It competes with other international food retailers such as Carrefour and Wal-Mart.

Shares in Carrefour, which issued a profit warning in August, were flat.

Carrefour S.A. and IKEA have set up shop and plan more outlets.

Carrefour said it strongly condemns the conditions and had decided to take action.