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    Metro Group

    Metro AG history, profile and corporate video

     Metro AG is a holding company, which engages in the retail and wholesale industry. It operates through the following segments: Metro Cash and Carry, Real, Media-Saturn, Galeria Kaufhof, and Real Estate. The Metro Cash and Carry segment operates the wholesale division through the Metro and Makro brands. The Real segment involves the operation of hypermarkets and online store which offer food products, clothing, shoes, electronics, books, sound storage devices, household goods, sports, toys, and leisure products. The Media-Saturn segment offers assortment of brand products in consumer electronics retailing. The Galeria Kaufhof segment includes the operation of department stores in Germany and Belgium. The Real Estate segment comprises all real estate assets and related services. The company was founded on July 18, 1996 and is headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany.

    “History of the METRO GROUP

    Development of the METRO GROUP in an annual overview starting in 1996

    1996

    Within a period of only ten months, METRO AG is formed through a merger of the retail companies Asko Deutsche Kaufhaus AG, Kaufhof Holding AG and Deutsche SB-Kauf AG. The group goes on the stock market in the same year. On July 25, 1996, METRO AG shares are listed for the first time on the DAX German Stock Index. With a market capitalization of 12.07 billion German marks, METRO AG ends the year 1996 as one of the 20 largest publicly listed companies in Germany. It also advances its internationalization process: the company expands into Romania and China. 

    1997

    METRO AG further advances its expansion outside of Germany: international moves include the opening of the first Makro Cash & Carry wholesale outlet in the Czech Republic and the entry of Real into the Polish market. Turnover abroad in 1997 accounts for 7.1 percent of total turnover. In addition, the group begins to concentrate more on its core business: peripheral activities and unprofitable sales divisions are relinquished. The group structures itself into 13 business areas – from wholesale to fashion retail. 

    1998

    In the most successful year in company history, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) grow 63.5 percent to 1.6 billion German marks. Metro shares outstrip all other DAX 30 stocks. The group streamlines its portfolio further: At year end, METRO AG has become a clearly structured corporation, with four business areas and several cross-divisional service companies, which operate on a group-wide basis. Progress is also made in internationalization: in 1998, business abroad already contributes 35.2 percent to total turnover. Media Markt expands into Poland. 

    1999

    METRO AG liquidates its retail properties. This gives the company leeway for key investments, which accelerate its growth in wholesale and retail. Following the reorientation of the group in 1998, its focus is now on optimizing its sales concepts. Real and Kaufhof join PAYBACK – the largest and most important customer loyalty program in Germany. In addition, METRO AG continues to consistently expand its international presence: 16 Metro Cash & Carry wholesale outlets, ten Real hypermarkets and 47 nonfood specialty centers open abroad. The share of turnover generated outside of Germany grows to 39.2 percent. 

    2000

    METRO AG has developed into an internationally oriented company with decentralized management teams. The share of its turnover generated outside of Germany grows to 42.2 percent. The group employs approximately 220,000 people in 22 countries. In order to support career development throughout its workforce, METRO AG expands its staff development programs and introduces new qualification, assessment and remuneration systems. The company is increasingly capital market-oriented. For the first time, the group releases its financial statement for the year 2000 in accordance to the International Accounting Standards (IAS), to achieve greater transparency in its accounting. In addition, the control and management system EVA (Economic Value Added) is introduced in order to strengthen entrepreneurial thinking throughout the group. In 2000, METRO AG ranks no. 18 among DAX 30 companies. The Metro share is one of the 20 most traded DAX stocks. 

    2001

    2001 is a year of daunting entrepreneurial challenges. The reasons include continuing stagnation in German retail, as well as a generally unfavorable economic situation. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington have an unsettling effect on consumers. Despite this market trend, METRO AG finishes the year with positive business results. The company makes further progress in its international expansion course: 80 new locations are added in 2001, including the first Metro Cash & Carry wholesale outlets in Russia. An additional key component in the company’s success is the development of its sales divisions into retail brands – unmistakable entities in the marketplace. 

    2002

    In November 2002, Metro AG takes a further step in consolidating its position as a modern, international wholesale and retail company. From this point on, the company presents itself on a worldwide scale as the METRO GROUP. The move underscores the sense of belonging to a single, powerful alliance, shared by all of the retail brands and group companies. In addition, the METRO GROUP hones its profile as an international retail group and successful DAX 30-listed corporation. This positioning is supported by the brand message, “METRO GROUP – The Spirit of Commerce.” It expresses the key attributes of the corporate identity that has been developed over the past years: innovation, success-orientation and internationality. The METRO GROUP enters the Japanese and Vietnamese markets.

    2003

    The METRO GROUP operates in 28 countries. Business in Eastern Europe and Asia makes an especially strong contribution to the positive development of its sales. Metro Cash & Carry opens its first stores in Ukraine and India. As one of the leading companies in its sector, the METRO GROUP launches the most far-reaching innovation initiative commerce has ever seen. In the context of the METRO GROUP Future Store Initiative, the company tests forward-looking technologies like Radio Frequency Identification – RFID for short. The innovative technology facilitates more efficient warehouse management, while rendering shopping faster, more individual and convenient. As of April 2003, consumers can experience the future of retail firsthand at the METRO GROUP Future Store in the North Rhine-Westphalian town of Rheinberg. 

    2004

    By the end of the year, the METRO GROUP is active in 30 countries worldwide. It possesses a clear profile as a modern, high-performance retail and wholesale company. Three sales divisions celebrate jubilees in 2004: Media Markt and Saturn mark their 25th year in business, Metro Cash & Carry turns 40 and Galeria Kaufhof looks back on a 125-year company history. The METRO GROUP exhibition “Fascinating Worlds of Retail” attracts public attention with its exciting insights into the sector. The METRO GROUP further advances technological progress in commerce with the opening of its RFID Innovation Center in Neuss and the implementation of the forward-looking technology RFID. 

    2005

    As one of the world’s most internationally oriented wholesale and retail companies, the METRO GROUP continues its expansion course: the first Metro Cash & Carry wholesale outlet in Serbia and Montenegro opens its doors, Real enters the Russian market and Media Markt establishes a location in Greece, to name just of few of the company’s international activities. With the stock market listing of Praktiker in November, the METRO GROUP further concentrates its focus on its core business areas. The image of the METRO GROUP as an attractive employer is again confirmed in 2005. The proportion of trainees in its operations throughout Germany reaches an all-time high, at 8.3 percent. Even the very youngest are looked after: in September, the bilingual company kindergarten “Metro Sternchen” (Little Metro Stars) opens at the headquarters in Düsseldorf. With this daycare center, the METRO GROUP supports its staff in creating an ideal balance between family and career. 

    2006

    In its tenth anniversary year, METRO GROUP makes its first appearance at the CeBIT in Hanover. More than 120,000 trade fair visitors find out about the many possible uses of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) at the Future Store Initiative stand. To mark the anniversary, the METRO GROUP publishes the European Consumption Report – a Europe-wide study of consumer spending. In addition, the company runs the charity campaign “Koch mit” (Cook and help), to support the German charity “Die Tafel” (The Table) who provide food for those in need. The internationalization process also continues: MediaMarkt expands into Sweden and Russia, while Real enters the Romanian market. The takeovers of Wal-Mart Germany and the stores of French hypermarket chain Géant in Poland, also strengthen Real’s market position. In addition, the METRO GROUP further develops its purchasing strategy: the cross-national structure of MGBI (METRO GROUP Buying International), creates additional group-wide synergies in the area of goods procurement. 

    2007

    The METRO GROUP is continuing its international expansion. METRO Cash & Carryopened the first wholesale store in Pakistan and Media Markt entered the market in Turkey. The METRO GROUP is expanding its sales network in other countries as well. In Romania, Real will open its 14th Real hypermarket at the end of the year. With the comprehensive implementation of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Germany, the METRO GROUP ensures an even better supply chain efficiency. Deliveries are automatically registered at 180 locations ofMETRO Cash & Carry and Real as well as in the central warehouses of MGLMETRO GROUP Logistics. In order to help customers get a balanced diet, theMETRO GROUP is implementing nutrition facts for its own brands and is the first German retail company to do so. The company also sets an example regarding the balance between work and family. At the Düsseldorf location, the METRO GROUP opened its second bilingual company kindergarten called “METRO-Sternchen”. A personnel change took place at the top of the METRO GROUP. Dr Eckhard Cordes is the new CEO and replaces Dr Hans-Joachim Körber. 

    2008

    METRO GROUP continues to optimise its portfolio in 2008. After selling its 245 Extra supermarkets, the Group’s focus in food retail services will be on its Real hypermarkets. With its new real,- Future Store in the North Rhine-Westphalian town of Toenisvorst, METRO GROUP lives up to its reputation as a driving force for the entire retail industry. Here, the Group tests state-of-the-art technologies and concepts that are set to shape the future of retail. The hypermarket of tomorrow proves a hit with consumers. Since its opening, sales have grown consistently. 
    The retailing company also continues to push forward with its expansion at an international level: Saturn opens its first consumer electronics stores in Greece and Luxembourg in 2008. This means that METRO GROUP is now present in 32 countries worldwide.  
    METRO GROUP is the first German retailing company to publish its carbon footprint and commit to reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases by 15 percent by 2015.METRO GROUP also takes its responsibility as an employer very seriously. Once again, more than 3,000 young people across Germany start their apprenticeships in the Group’s various companies. This makes METRO GROUP one of the largest training companies in Germany. 

    2009

    METRO GROUP kicks off 2009 with an efficiency and value enhancement programme. The aim of “Shape 2012” is to achieve maximum possible growth and customer orientation. The brand message that the company peresents in May hits the nail on the head: METRO GROUP is “Made to Trade.” 
    On the international stage, METRO GROUP continues its expansion programme.METRO Cash & Carry realises its market entry in Kazakhstan and Real opens its first hypermarket in the Ukraine. 
    Two sales brands have anniversaries in 2009. Galeria Kaufhof can look back on a 130-year history; Media Markt celebrates ist 30th birthday. In 2009, METRO GROUPgives more weight to the subject sustainability, making it an integral part of its corporate strategy by founding a Sustainability Committee.  
    In December the trading and retailing company announces its collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The joint programme aims to fight hunger in developing countries.  
    There are changes at the top at METRO GROUP. Thomas Unger is named vice-chairman of METRO AG. The Supervisory Board appoints Olaf Koch as CFO; he takes up his post on 14 September. 

    2010

    In March, the administrative functions of METRO AG and METRO Cash & Carry are pooled. The newly formed unit assumes key responsibilities for the whole Group. The Company’s remodelled public image and new logo underline the high importance of the cash & carry business.  
    From May to October, the retail and wholesale group presents itself at the EXPO World’s Fair in Shanghai, which features the motto ‘Better City, Better Life’.METRO Cash & Carry and Media Markt form the centrepiece of the appearance.  
    METRO GROUP meets its customers’ expectations by introducing new sales formats. Since May, Real has been selling a range of nonfood products online. 
    In November, Real opens the first drive-in supermarket in Germany. Customers can place their orders online and pick them up at the test store near Hanover.  
    METRO GROUP steadily continues its growth strategy throughout 2010.Media Markt opens its first consumer electronics store in China and Saturn enters the Russian market in October. There are changes in the Management Board ofMETRO AG with Thomas Unger, Vice Chairman, and Zygmunt Mierdorf both departing.  

    2011

    The principle of sustainability is firmly anchored in METRO GROUP’s strategy. In signing up to the UN Global Compact in January, the Group acknowledges the ten principles of this network for corporate responsibility.  
    In May, METRO GROUP launches a new umbrella brand communication campaign featuring the slogan ‘Made to trade.’ It is a combination of conventional print ads, novel online tools and public dialogue forums.  
    METRO GROUP is an official partner of the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with its sales brands METRO Cash & Carry, Saturn and Galeria Kaufhof. The three sales brands are involved in sponsorship and in the supporting programme for this major event held in Düsseldorf in May.  
    Galeria Kaufhof and Saturn expand their multichannel offer, launching online shops. Since October, customers can shop around the clock comfortably on their computer. 
    There are changes on the Management Board: In October, Dr Eckhard Cordes announced his resignation as Chairman of the Management Board. As of 1 October Heiko Hutmacher joins the Management Board of METRO AG as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). 

    2012

    In January Olaf Koch, previously Chief Financial Officer of METRO AG, succeeds Dr Eckhard Cordes as the new Chairman of the Management Board of METRO AG.Mark Frese is appointed Chief Financial Officer of METRO AG. In March Joël Saveuse, member of the Management Board of METRO AG and CEO of Real Group, leaves the company. 
    METRO GROUP continues its international expansion in 2012 with clear focus on selected countries and further optimises its international portfolio.METRO Cash & Carry manages to open 12 news stores in China, the best annual opening performance for a single country in the company’s history. In May,METRO GROUP sells its MAKRO UK operations including 30 wholesale stores and all operating assets to the Booker Group, a leading grocery retailer in the UK. In November METRO GROUP signs an agreement with Groupe Auchan to sell Real’s Eastern European business in Poland, Romania, Russia and Ukraine to the French retailer.  
    In September, METRO AG shares exit the DAX 30 blue-chip index and get listed in the mid-cap MDAX due to the share’s under-performance as well as the relatively small proportion of free float shares.
    The year 2012 sees multichannel sales grow across the Group. At Media-Saturn,for example, online sales more than double. Media Markt’s new online store offers customers in Germany even more flexibility when shopping: the online store.

    2013

    Prof. Otto Beisheim, the founder of METRO Cash & Carry, dies at the age of 89. With his concept of self-service wholesale, Beisheim revolutionised an entire industry in the mid-1960s and laid the foundation for METRO GROUP today. 
    Chairman of the Man¬agement Board Olaf Koch assumes operational responsibility for the sales line METRO Cash & Carry, underscoring the priority METRO GROUP places on the wholesale business. The CEO of METRO Cash & Carry up to this point, Frans W. H. Muller, resigns from the company. In April, Pieter Haas, previously a member of the management board and COO of Media-Saturn-Holding GmbH, assumes his new position as a member of the Management Board ofMETRO AG. In this role, he oversees Business Innovation/New Ventures, IT Management/METRO SYSTEMS and Media-Saturn. 
    In order to offer social and ecological compatible products, the sales lines ofMETRO GROUP expand their activities for sustainable procurement. METRO GROUPforms a strategic alliance with 16 international companies and organisations to create a harmonised assessment scale for sustainable fish purchasing.METRO Cash & Carry China offers fully-traceable fresh salmon for the first time. The hypermarket Real adds products bearing the new label “Für mehr Tierschutz” 
    (“For more animal protection”) to its assortment in nearly 200 Real hypermarkets. The seal of the German animal welfare association designates sausage and meat from animals raised in conditions better than those required by law.  
    METRO GROUP announces that the sales line Media-Saturn will discontinue business operations in China after a two-year test phase that ended in 2012. Media-Saturn increases its stake in the online retailer Redcoon to 100 per cent in June. Redcoon has been part of the Media-Saturn Group since 2011. 
    METRO Cash & Carry aims for further extension of its network that is already present in 29 countries serving more than 20 million customers. In November,METRO Cash & Carry inaugurated its worldwide 750th wholesale market in the Chinese city of Chongqing. 
    At METRO GROUP’s annual press conference in December, METRO Cash & Carrypresented its new brand positioning. The goal of the self-service wholesaler is to become the partner of choice for independent small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. A new claim (“YOU & METRO”) underscores this positioning and will be at the focus of an international image campaign.  
    METRO GROUP will remain the title sponsor of the Düsseldorf marathon until 2016. The retail and wholesale company’s sponsorship of this major sports event once again underscores its commitment to its hometown of Düsseldorf where its headquarters is located. “

    *Information from Forbes.com and Metrogroup.de

    **Video published on YouTube by “METRO Cash & Carry India

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