Klaus Markus

EWE AG provides utility services such as distribution of electricity and gas. The firm supplies electricity and natural gas, water management, communication infrastructure, Internet connections, billing systems in network control, energy trading, and energy management. The company was founded in 1943 and is headquartered in Oldenburg, Germany.

DirectGroup Bertelsmann GmbH publishes and markets books and magazines. It provides direct-to-customer book and music club services to customers. Its other operations include Der Club, Circulo de Lectores, and BMG Music Service (part of the US-based BMG Direct subsidiary). DirectGroup acquired Columbia House, the club-based direct marketer of music, videos. and DVDs. Its members can access its clubs products through catalogs, Internet or club shops worldwide. The company was founded on July 1, 2000 and is headquartered at Guetersloh, Germany.