Ananova:

Wal-Mart Stores has promoted the head of its Canadian stores to oversee its operations in Europe.

Dave Ferguson will take over as European president and chief executive and replace Allan Leighton, who is resigning after having managed the integration of ASDA Group into Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart spokesman Nick Agarwal said Mr Leighton is likely to focus on his two other jobs, as deputy chairman of the Leeds United soccer club and board member of BSkyB, Rupert Murdoch's satellite broadcaster.

However, some retail analysts were suggesting that Mr Leighton might be leaving Wal-Mart to take a top job at Marks and Spencer, the troubled British department store chain.

The US firm bought ASDA in July 1999 for $10.7 billion, making its first big move into Britain.

Wal-Mart entered Europe in 1998, acquiring 21 Wertkauf stores in Germany. It followed a year later with the purchase of 74 German Interspar stores.

ASDA operates 240 stores from its base in Leeds. Its takeover by Wal-Mart sent shock waves through the British grocery industry, and ASDA's competitors have responded with aggressive efforts to boost efficiency and cut prices.

Mr Leighton was ASDA's chief executive and was promoted in December to head Wal-Mart's European business.

He said: "I am more convinced than ever that joining the Wal-Mart family is the best thing that could have happened for ASDA colleagues and customers.

"Although I have now made my own decision to move on, I shall be watching as ASDA and Wal-Mart grow ever stronger."