The Russian economy is growing fast, and the standard of living and purchasing power are on the rise in the world’s largest country. With around 142 million consumers, the EU’s eastern neighbor is an attractive proposition for international companies looking to expand. METRO Group is already profiting from Russia’s dynamic growth, having opened its first Metro Cash & Carry wholesale store in Moscow in 2001, and following with Real and Media Markt in 2005 and 2006. Since then, the company has been rapidly expanding its sales network throughout the country.