French retailer Carrefour is set to enter India with the Dubai-based Landmark Group, which is already present in India, The Economic Times has reported.

The world's second-largest retailer will set up hypermarkets with Landmark, which operates a chain of department stores named Lifestyle in India.

"A formal announcement is expected in three to four weeks," the newspaper said, citing unnamed sources. Officials at Landmark could not be immediately reached for comment. Foreign multiple-brand retailers are only allowed to operate in India through licencees and franchisees, or if they follow a cash-and-carry model, like Metro AG and ShopRite Holdings have chosen to do.

UK 's Tesco Plc is expected to announce a deal soon with India 's Bharti Enterprises; US giant Wal-Mart Stores has a liaison office in India and is lobbying to set up shop.

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