By Rogerio Jelmayer 
 

SAO PAULO--Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao (CBD, PCAR4.BR), one of Brazil's largest retailers by revenue, will evaluate strategic alternatives for its nonfood division, including the possible sale of the unit.

"CBD has not set a timetable for the completion of this process and will not make further comments unless there is a new resolution on this matter," said the company, which is controlled by French retail group Casino Guichard-Perrachon SA (CGUSY, CO.FR).

CBD plans to focus on its food business, which reported a 14% increase in sales in the latest quarter. Sales at the company's nonfood businesses, such as home appliances and electronic goods, dropped 10% during the period, while overall net revenue rose 4.4% to 15.09 billion reais ($4.65 billion).

The company's nonfood division is called Via Varejo and operates under brand names Casas Bahia and Pontofrio.

Brazil's poor economic activity and high inflation and interest rates are discouraging buyers from making big-ticket purchases like home appliances and electronic goods, according to economists.

Write to Rogerio Jelmayer at rogerio.jelmayer@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 04, 2016 06:38 ET (10:38 GMT)