Working with joint venture partner Jinjiang Group, METRO opened its first store in Shanghai. Today, METRO Cash & Carry has 3.8 million customers in 75 stores across the country. The Asko Group, which has owned C+C SCHAPER since 1987/1988, has joined the METRO GROUP. C+C Schaper operates exclusively in Germany. METRO Cash & Carry expanded its business to Romania in 1996 and to the Czech Republic in 1997. Also in 1997, METRO Cash & Carry took over the European MAKRO operations from Dutch SHV. Expansion into Eastern Europe continues: METRO Cash & Carry opens its first store in Bulgaria, becoming the largest fish and shellfish trader in the region. 2000-2014 Three new stores opened in Slovakia right at the start of the new century. The enormous distances in Russia present the company with new logistical tasks: shipping goods across plains and roller coasters can take up to six days. However, the METRO brand soon manages to revive the Russian economy. The self-service wholesaler has also started doing business