Shopping malls group Klepierre re-opens 80% of European malls

PARIS (Reuters) - Shopping centre operator Klepierre <LOIM.PA> has re-opened 80% of its European malls and hopes to re-open 90% of them within 10 days, the company said on Tuesday, as global businesses slowly return to work after the coronavirus shutdown.

Paris-headquartered Klepierre added that curbs on restaurants and cinemas remained in many other European countries, representing 5% of its annual rent roll.

Governments around the world had forced the closure of many shops and businesses to rein in the virus, but some are now re-opening amid signs its progress may be faltering.

"The group has implemented all the necessary measures to resume operations, while ensuring the protection of staff and visitors thanks to strict hygiene protocols," Klepierre said in a statement, adding that it would provide updates as warranted.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)