Together with joint venture partner Jinjiang Group, METRO opened its first store in Shanghai. Today, METRO Cash & Carry has 3.8 million customers in 75 stores across the country. The Asko group, owner of C+C SCHAPER since 1987/1988, has joined METRO GROUP. C+C Schaper operates exclusively in Germany. METRO Cash & Carry expanded its operations to Romania in 1996 and the Czech Republic in 1997. Also in 1997, METRO Cash & Carry purchased the European MAKRO operations from Dutch SHV. Eastern Europe continues: METRO Cash & Carry opened its first store in Bulgaria and thus became the largest fish and seafood trader in the region. 2000-2014 Three new stores were opened in Slovakia at the turn of the new century. The enormous distances in Russia impose new logistical tasks on the company: shipping goods across plains and roller coasters can take up to six days. Nevertheless, the METRO brand quickly succeeded in stimulating the Russian economy. The self-service wholesaler also started doing business in