Germany’s largest retailer Metro Group posted an increase in operating profit of around 14% for the first quarter of 2008 as growth in Eastern Europe offset slowing sales at home.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The group’s EBIT rose to EUR152m (US$237m) from EUR134m a year earlier, while group sales saw an increase of 7.3% to EUR15.6bn.


Eckhard Cordes CEO said that Eastern European wholesale sales were “very satisfactory” and that the Real chain is refurbishing stores in a bid to stem losses.


Internationally, Metro sales increased in the first quarter by 12.1% to EUR9.3bn and in Western Europe sales rose 4.8% to EUR4.8bn.


Metro reported that it forecast sales growth of more than 6% this year with the opening of 40 Cash & Carry stores, 70 Media Market and Saturn sites and 15 Real branches.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact