# METRO Cash & Carry International > German holding company **Wikidata**: [Q100293285](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100293285) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/metro-cash-carry-international ## Summary METRO Cash & Carry International is a German holding company and subsidiary of METRO Group, specializing in cash-and-carry wholesale operations. Established in 2001, it operates under the legal form of a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) and is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. ## Key Facts - **Founded:** 2001 - **Legal Form:** Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) - **Headquarters:** Düsseldorf, Germany - **Parent Organization:** METRO Group - **Owner:** METRO Group - **Country of Origin:** Germany - **Instance Of:** Business - **Legal Entity Identifier:** 529900NR2NC0S8PE4792 - **OpenCorporates ID:** de/R1101_HRB36616 - **Permid:** 4298547302 - **Wikidata Description:** German holding company - **Aliases:** METRO Cash & Carry International GmbH ## FAQs ### What is METRO Cash & Carry International? METRO Cash & Carry International is a German holding company and a subsidiary of METRO Group. It was founded in 2001 and specializes in cash-and-carry wholesale services, primarily targeting independent restaurateurs, hotels, and caterers. ### Where is METRO Cash & Carry International based? The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. It operates under German commercial law as a GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung), which limits liability to the company's share capital. ### Who owns METRO Cash & Carry International? METRO Cash & Carry International is wholly owned by METRO Group, a global leader in wholesale and food distribution. It functions as a key subsidiary within the group's international operations. ### What type of business is METRO Cash & Carry International? It is classified as a business entity engaged in commercial activity, specifically within the wholesale sector. It operates under the broader category of cash-and-carry retail, serving business-to-business (B2B) clients. ### What legal structure does METRO Cash & Carry International have? The company is structured as a GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung), a form of limited liability company under German law. This structure ensures that shareholders' liability is limited to their investment in the company. ### What distinguishes METRO Cash & Carry International from other METRO entities? It functions as the international arm of METRO Group’s cash-and-carry operations, focusing on markets outside Germany. It is distinct from METRO Germany, which serves the domestic market, and other regional subsidiaries. ## Why It Matters METRO Cash & Carry International plays a critical role in METRO Group’s global expansion strategy, particularly in emerging markets. By offering a cash-and-carry wholesale model tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, it enables access to bulk purchasing power and professional supply chain solutions. This model supports local entrepreneurs, especially in the hospitality and food service sectors, by providing them with reliable sourcing, competitive pricing, and operational efficiency. Its operations contribute significantly to METRO Group’s international revenue and reinforce its position as a leader in the global wholesale market. ## Notable For - **Global Expansion:** Serving as the international division of METRO Group, it has expanded into numerous countries, particularly in Asia, Europe, and Africa. - **Wholesale Model Specialization:** Focuses on cash-and-carry services, which combine the efficiency of self-service with the bulk purchasing benefits of wholesale. - **B2B Focus:** Primarily serves independent restaurateurs, hotels, caterers, and small businesses, rather than individual consumers. - **Operational Efficiency:** Leverages METRO Group’s logistics and supply chain expertise to deliver cost-effective solutions in diverse markets. - **Legal and Structural Clarity:** Operates under a GmbH structure, ensuring clear corporate governance and limited liability. ## Body ### History METRO Cash & Carry International was established in 2001 as part of METRO Group’s strategic initiative to expand its cash-and-carry wholesale model globally. It was designed to replicate the success of METRO’s domestic operations in Germany by adapting to the needs of international markets. The company quickly became a cornerstone of METRO Group’s international division, focusing on emerging markets where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) required scalable supply solutions. ### Organizational Structure The company operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of METRO Group, one of the world’s largest wholesale and food specialists. It is structured as a GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung), a legal form in Germany that limits shareholder liability. This structure supports operational autonomy while maintaining alignment with the parent company’s strategic goals. - **Parent Organization:** METRO Group - **Legal Form:** GmbH - **Ownership:** 100% owned by METRO Group - **Headquarters:** Düsseldorf, Germany ### Business Model METRO Cash & Carry International operates under the cash-and-carry wholesale model, which combines the convenience of self-service with the cost advantages of bulk purchasing. This model is particularly effective for serving small businesses such as independent restaurants, hotels, and caterers, who benefit from access to large-scale procurement without the need for long-term contracts or delivery services. - **Target Market:** Independent restaurateurs, hotels, caterers, and SMEs - **Service Model:** Cash-and-carry wholesale - **Operational Focus:** Self-service warehouse stores ### Geographic Presence The company primarily operates in international markets, with a strong presence in regions such as Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. It tailors its offerings to local market conditions, including product selection, pricing strategies, and supply chain logistics. This localized approach allows it to effectively compete against both domestic and international wholesale providers. ### Legal and Regulatory Framework As a GmbH entity based in Germany, METRO Cash & Carry International adheres to German commercial law. Its legal structure ensures limited liability and compliance with corporate governance standards. The company is registered with the following identifiers: - **Legal Entity Identifier (LEI):** 529900NR2NC0S8PE4792 - **OpenCorporates ID:** de/R1101_HRB36616 - **Permid:** 4298547302 ### Relationship to METRO Group METRO Cash & Carry International is a key component of METRO Group’s international operations. It complements the group’s domestic activities in Germany and supports its global strategy of providing scalable supply solutions to SMEs. The company benefits from METRO Group’s extensive logistics network, supplier relationships, and operational expertise. ### Strategic Importance The company plays a vital role in METRO Group’s growth strategy by expanding its footprint in high-potential international markets. Its operations contribute significantly to the group’s revenue and reinforce its position as a leader in the global wholesale sector. The focus on emerging markets aligns with broader trends in global commerce, where SMEs increasingly seek efficient and cost-effective procurement solutions. ### Corporate Governance and Compliance As a GmbH, METRO Cash & Carry International maintains a clear governance structure with defined roles for shareholders and management. It complies with German corporate law and international regulatory standards in the countries where it operates. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with METRO Group’s global compliance framework.