Haniel, which represents one of Metro's founding families, is the retailer's largest shareholder.

FORBES: Power Play At Metro

Metro announced that Hans-Joachim Koerber, who'd been CEO since 1999, was being replaced by Eckhard Cordes, chief executive of Haniel Group.

FORBES: Power Play At Metro

But now their spirits are being buoyed by the idea that Haniel Group is trying to change the chain's strategy to deliver more value for shareholders.

FORBES: Power Play At Metro