"This is a very good rating for a trading and tourism group", comments Telerik Shishmanov, CFO of REWE Group, on the result. "We feel confirmed in our strategy of sustainable, long-term growth and are pleased that Standard & Poor's has honoured the continuously positive development of REWE Group in recent years and has confidence in our financial strength and strategy. Especially in the current times, the credit rating is a strong signal of security and stability."

Justification of the rating
As part of its analyses, Standard & Poor's particularly recognises REWE Group's stable business profile with excellent market positions in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. REWE Group also impresses as a driver of innovation, which, for example, was one of the first trading companies to introduce convenience formats, focus on regional and organic products and introduce nationwide online grocery trading in Germany. REWE Group's diversified brands and product portfolio are also seen as a positive factor with regard to the Group's stability.

With a rating of BBB in the solid "investment grade" range, REWE Group as a co-operative company was rated nine out of 22 and is therefore in a very good position compared to other competitors, including those listed on the stock exchange.

First co-operative with a rating
Standard & Poor's gave REWE Group a rating for the first time in 2010. This made REWE Group the first cooperative company in Germany to receive an internationally recognised rating. The rating has been investment grade since the initial rating process and is constantly monitored and updated in annual management meetings and through continuous communication between REWE Group and the rating agency. It certifies security and stability to third parties, facilitates credit assessment for investors and thus provides access to funds on the capital market. This has enabled REWE Group to tap the capital market as an additional source of financing.

Plans and investments
Last year, REWE Group placed a sustainability-linked bond for the first time, which met with great interest. This bond helps to secure financial resources for future growth and investments in digitalisation and automation. The Group is also investing strategically in property to make itself less dependent on rent increases and to retain control over location development. These investments are also important in terms of Sustainability, as they facilitate the installation of photovoltaic systems and charging infrastructure for e-mobility.