Dear Readers, cbi:///cms/190201

Having emerged from the worst crisis in decades, the global economy regained its footing in many parts of the world in 2010. From the perspective of METRO GROUP, the fact that our company was able to achieve the best result in its corporate history last year is particularly gratifying. But business success is more than just sales figures and revenues. Long-term profitable growth can be generated only if we act responsibly towards the environment and society. This applies to retailers at the weekly market just as much as it does to an international retail and wholesale group that caters to the needs of millions of people every day. METRO GROUP is aware of this special responsibility. cbi:///cms/190202

We have been committed to environmental and climate protection, social standards along the entire value chain, and a good work environment at our companies for many years. For us, responsibility also means contributing our skills and resources to social projects and initiatives that can be sensibly linked to our core business. This includes targeted educational support as well as direct aid and assistance in the fight against poverty. Even in difficult times, we consistently continued to advance these activities - because we are convinced that sustainability is not a luxury that one can only afford in good times. In a reflection of this, we have firmly anchored our sustainability strategy in our core business. As early as 2009, we established the Sustainability Board as a key management organ. During the reporting year, we launched the "Go sustainable 2012" initiative. We continue to develop our sustainability activities out of an ongoing dialogue with our stakeholders. It is their desires and expectations that challenge us again and again. cbi:///cms/190203

This report gives you an overview of the development of our targets and key figures in sustainability management. And I am pleased to report that we made further significant strides in 2010. Our energy savings target is within reach. The improvements of the relevant indicators not only result from the increased use of environmental technologies and the optimisation of work processes. They also reflect our employees’ special commitment. Their responsible use of resources is a key factor in our ability to conserve precious energy and raw materials – and one reason why we can offer our customers top-quality products at largely stable prices.  cbi:///cms/190204

But what characterises a high-quality product? Consumers increasingly seek out products that fulfil sustainability values such as transparency, social responsibility and environmental protection. METRO GROUP addresses these wishes by offering its customers a growing range of sustainable products. For example, we have spent the past few years expanding our assortment of sustainable own-brand products; we actively promote sustainable fisheries; and we are committed to good working conditions along the entire supply chain. cbi:///cms/190205

For us, sustainability always also means responsibility towards our employees. By pursuing an active diversity management, we can leverage the social diversity of our workforce while addressing the challenges posed by demographic change. cbi:///cms/190206

We are pleased to note that our commitment has also been received positively outside our company. Professional investors, in particular, place increasing value on consistently sustainable business management. This is also reflected in METRO GROUP’s position in the world’s leading sustainability index, the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. In 2010, we improved our score in all three categories – economic, environmental and social criteria – and were ranked well above our sector average.  cbi:///cms/190207

Business growth and sustainable business management are clearly inseparable. By continuing to intensify our commitment to sustainability, we are also setting the course for our future economic success. cbi:///cms/190208

I wish you an informative and inspiring read. cbi:///cms/190209

Dr Eckhard Cordes
Chairman of the Management Board cbi:///cms/190210