Metro AG, otherwise known as Metro Group, is a German global diversified retail and wholesale/cash and carry group based in Düsseldorf. , it was the fourth-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues (after  Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco). It was established in 1964 by founders Ernst Schmidt and Wilhelm Schmidt-Ruthenbeck (1906-1988). Otto Beisheim became CEO and Chairman of Metro.