In 1964 the first Metro store was opened in Germany. The idea for a new wholesale self-service was created by professor Dr. Otto Beishem, and today Metro and Makro are the formula par excellence of this system of distribution.

The first step to become an international company was taken in 1971, in Austria, by opening a store in Vienna-Vösendorf.

This was not just the first centre in Austria, but also the first Metro store outside Germany, thus starting an active expansion throughout Europe, which even went beyond the continent’s boundaries.

On 1 January 1998 Metro acquired all establishments of SHV Makro N.V. in Europe, and Makro Spain became a part of the German METRO Group, joining its Cash & Carry Division.

Today, Metro Cash & Carry operates 600 wholesale stores in 29 countries and is the number 1 self-service wholesaler in the world. Its head offices and management board are located in Düsseldorf (Germany.)