Although both parties agreed not to make the financial terms of the acquisition public, it is known that Wertkauf's annual sales are approximately DM 2.5 billion. (International Contact) According to Bob Martin, the company had been seeking the right opportunity to establish itself in Europe, and particularly in Germany, which is the single largest base for retailing on the continent followed by the United Kingdom and France. The one-stop shopping Wertkauf hypermarket stores sell what is described by Wal-Mart as a "broad assortment of high-quality general merchandise and food," and are similar in format to Wal-Mart Supercenters in the U.S. "Wertkauf matched the criteria necessary for the successful introduction of the Wal-Mart concept into the German market," offered Martin. "The 4,900 Wertkauf associates have provided quality service to German customers for many years and have built a strong reputation. They are the foundation of the business, and Wal-Mart will count on them to help us earn the respect and confidence of the German people