Carrefour China in bribes probe

Carrefour has been expanding internationally

Workers at French supermarket chain Carrefour are being probed by Chinese authorities on suspicion of bribery.

Eight employees are alleged to have given contracts to fresh food suppliers in exchange for bribes, said reports.

Carrefour confirmed that it recently unveiled "practices in contradiction with Chinese laws".

It added that it was working closely with the authorities to help shed light on the investigation, but stressed that it only applied to "isolated cases".

The firm said that in order not to undermine the ongoing investigation it would reveal no further details.

Carrefour, which is the world's second-biggest retailer, has been keen to expand in China as it booms and recently opened its 101st hypermarket in the country.

China has been keen for private consumption to spur economic growth - which has attracted overseas investors.