Mexico launches probe into Wal-Mart’s practices

In an indignant response over reports of the Mexican unit of Wal-Mart Stores Inc bribing officials to expand business there, Mexico said it had launched an investigation in the matter. (See: Wal-Mart bribed officials in Mexico: New York Times)

According to the Mexican federal comptroller's office, it had started checking the federal paperwork and permits that Wal-Mart de Mexico, known as Walmex obtained to open and operate its stores in the country.

Mexican president Felipe Calderon referred pointedly to Wal-Mart during a speech in Houston, Texas, yesterday.

"This makes me very indignant," he told a gathering of members of the Mexican community. "The company has certainly generated many jobs in Mexico and done good things, but what's not right is doing business on the basis of bribes."

The comptroller's office said it would approach US authorities for information on the case in a bid to carry out its investigation and that the federal government would take action if wrongdoing by public officials was confirmed.

According to a spokesman for Walmex, the company had not been informed of any investigation in Mexico.