Itochu Corporation

Itochu (formerly C. Itoh and Co., Ltd.) is one of Japan's leading trading companies with offices in over 80 countries and operations that cover a broad spectrum of industries. It is ranked 17th among the top 500 companies in the world. The company's "Super A&P 2004" mid-term business plan focuses its China strategy on "consumer-related" investment activities. Prior to the current transaction, Itochu has already entered a comprehensive co-operation agreement with Tingyi's parent company, Tinghsin Group, in China's retail and restaurant sectors. Itochu is listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange with a current market capitalization of approximately US$5.2 billion.