Mercialys SA is a France-based company engaged in real estate operations. It has the SIIC (real estate investment trust – REIT) status. The Company owns and manages a portfolio of assets, comprised mainly of commercial real estate properties, such as self-service restaurants, large shopping centers and small local centers of specialty shops and larger stores adjacent to hypermarkets or supermarkets owned by Groupe Casino. Mercialys SA leases the space primarily to national branded stores, chain stores or franchises, as well as to independent retailers. The Company’s support functions, such as property management, administration, finance and accounting, legal affairs, surveys and information technology are outsourced to various Groupe Casino units.