IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden. Through half a century’s development, IKEA group has become the largest home furnishing company in the world, which has 90,000 co-workers and the business of which covers more than 50 countries and territories.

　　Up to now, there are 239 IEKA stores in 34 countries/territories (on only 2006). And by the business in China, we have built up the stores in Shanghai (1998), Beijing (1999), Guangzhou (2005) and Chengdu (2006). In financial year of 2007, the total sale of IKEA Group is 19.8 billion of euros. Since IKEA is not a listed company, it hasn’t participated in the selection of Global Top 500. But considering the sales achievements, the IKEA Group ought to be listed at about the 300th among Top 500. Meanwhile, in the list of “The most valuable brands in the world” chosen by American Business Week, IKEA ranks at the 38th, whose brand values 10.087 billion USD.

　　Besides retailing business, ?IKEA group has also set up branches in industry, sales and trading area.

　　The Swedwood Group is the IKEA industrial group. It produces wood-based furniture and wooden components in 35 industrial units in 9 countries.

　　The IKEA Group has 46 trading service offices in 32 countries. Co-workers in each office monitor production. This enables them to test new ideas, negotiate prices and check quality while keeping an eye on social and working conditions among suppliers. IKEA is keeping a long-term and close cooperation with our suppliers – more than 1300 in 53 countries. Now, China is the top one purchase country in the IKEA Group.

　　IKEA’s business idea is – to offer a wide rang of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at price so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.