Moscow, Oct 27 - Ten Russian food retail companies have asked state banks to provide them with a total of 50 billion roubles ($1.85 billion) in loans to help survive in the global financial crisis, industry sources said on Monday.
The aspirants include all four listed Russian retailers -- X5 Retail Group, Magnit, Dixy and Seventh Continent -- as well as smaller rivals Lenta, Kopeika, O'key, Holiday, Mosmart and Victoria.
The Russian government earlier this month pledged support to the industry, entrusting state-controlled banks Sberbank and VTB with giving loans to retailers which are struggling to refinance their short-term debts.