WOOLWORTHS-to-B&Q owner Kingfisher is expanding into central Europe, snapping up a majority stake in electrical retailer Datart for £780,000.

Datart is a market leader in the Czech Republic and Slovakia with a total of 15 stores spread between the two countries.

The large format stores operate on western lines similar to those in Kingfisher's electricals division, which includes the Comet brand in the UK.

The move gives Kingfisher a greater foothold in the European electricals market, where it already holds a market leading position in France through its Darty chain and a similar position in Belgium.

The group also has interests in the Netherlands and Germany.

Kingfisher group chief executive Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy said: "This acquisition will allow us to participate in the growing Czech and Slovakian markets, with the opportunity to develop organically in eastern Europe."

But the news did not help Kingfisher's share price, which languished down nearly seven per cent, or 24p at 343p.

The group's value has been under pressure since last month, when it said it was to split in two, demerging its Comet and B&Q chains from its Woolworths and Superdrug stores.