Lianhua Supermarket Co., Ltd. opened in Shanghai in 199 1 year. In 19 years, it has developed into a retail supermarket chain company with the most comprehensive format and nationwide network layout by means of direct operation, joining and merger. As of 20091February 3 1 day, Lianhua Supermarket and its subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as the "Group") had a total of 4,930 stores (excluding those operated by affiliated companies of the Company), which were distributed in 22 provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government of People's Republic of China (PRC) (hereinafter referred to as "China"), and continued to maintain the leading position in fast-moving consumer goods retail chain. Lianhua Supermarket was listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter referred to as the "Stock Exchange") in the form of H shares on June 27th, 2003. It is the first retail supermarket chain company listed on the stock exchange in China.