Walmart

=== Walmart International ===
<!-- Courtesy note per [[MOS:LINK2SECT]]: [[Walmart International]] and [[Wal-Mart International]] redirect here -->

{{As of|2022|10|31|df=US|post=,}} Walmart's international operations comprised 5,266 stores<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> and 800,000 workers in 23&nbsp;countries outside the United States.<ref name=Walmart_international>{{cite web |url = http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-business/international |title = Walmart International |publisher = Walmart |access-date = January 19, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140118112937/http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-business/international |archive-date = January 18, 2014}}</ref> There are wholly owned operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the UK. With 2.2&nbsp;million employees worldwide, the company is the largest private employer in the U.S. and Mexico, and one of the largest in Canada.<ref name=OurBusiness>{{cite web |title = Walmart Corporate: Our Business |url = http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-business/ |publisher = Walmart |access-date = January 19, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140103075916/http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-business/ |archive-date = January 3, 2014}}</ref> In fiscal 2019 Walmart's international division sales were {{US$|120.824&nbsp;billion}}, or 23.7&nbsp;percent of total sales.<ref name="xbrlus_1"/><ref name="2016 Annual Report Page 20"/> International retail units range from {{convert|1400|to|186000|sqft|abbr=off|sp=us}}, while wholesale units range from {{convert|24000|to|158000|sqft|abbr=off|sp=us}}.<ref name="2022 10-K"/>  Kathryn McLay is the president and CEO of Walmart International.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Walmart International CEO Kath McLay says her first weeks were like 'drinking from a firehose' |url=https://fortune.com/2023/10/18/walmart-international-ceo-kath-mclay-sales-strategy-sams-club/ |access-date=January 13, 2024 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref><ref name="leadership"/>

==== Central America ====
Walmart also owns 51&nbsp;percent of the Central American Retail Holding Company (CARHCO), which, {{as of|2022|10|31|df=US|lc=y|post=,}} consists of 868 stores, including 263 stores in [[Guatemala]] (under the Paiz, Walmart Supercenter, Despensa Familiar, and Maxi Dispensa banners),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 102 stores in [[El Salvador]] (under the Despensa Familiar, La Despensa de Don Juan, Walmart Supercenter, and Maxi Despensa banners),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 111 stores in [[Honduras]] (including the Paiz, Walmart Supercenter, Dispensa Familiar, and Maxi Despensa banners),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 102 stores in [[Nicaragua]] (including the Pali, La Unión, Maxi Pali, and Walmart Supercenter banners),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> and 290 stores in [[Costa Rica]] (including the Maxi Pali, Mas X Menos, Walmart Supercenter, and Pali banners<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/>).<ref name="sec2006">"[https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/104169/000119312506066792/d10k.htm Walmart SEC Form 10-K] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710094440/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/104169/000119312506066792/d10k.htm |date=July 10, 2017 }}." ''[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]]''. January 31, 2006. Retrieved July 26, 2006.</ref>

==== Chile ====
{{Main|Líder}}
<!-- Courtesy note per [[MOS:LINK2SECT]]: [[Distribución y Servicio]], [[Distribucion y Servicio]] and [[Walmart Chile]] redirect here -->
In January 2009, the company acquired a controlling interest in the largest grocer in [[Chile]], Distribución y Servicio D&S SA.<ref name="Stanford 13">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart names Chile head Ostale chief of Latin America |last1 = Stanford |first1 = Duane D. |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-01-11/wal-mart-names-chile-head-ostale-chief-of-latin-america |magazine = Bloomberg |date = January 11, 2013 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160306075617/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-01-11/wal-mart-names-chile-head-ostale-chief-of-latin-america |archive-date = March 6, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Bustillo 08">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart offers to acquire Chile's largest grocery chain |last1 = Bustillo |first1 = Miguel |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122979761002424187 |newspaper = The Wall Street Journal |date = December 22, 2008 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307015629/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122979761002424187 |archive-date = March 7, 2016}}</ref> In 2010, the company was renamed [[Walmart Chile]].<ref name="Diario Financiero 10">{{cite news |title = D&S cambia su razón social por Wal Mart Chile |url = https://www.df.cl/noticias/empresas/d-s-cambia-su-razon-social-por-wal-mart-chile/2010-10-28/110300.html |newspaper = Diario Financiero |date = October 28, 2010 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160306140633/https://www.df.cl/noticias/empresas/d-s-cambia-su-razon-social-por-wal-mart-chile/2010-10-28/110300.html |archive-date = March 6, 2016}}</ref> {{As of|2022|10|31|df=US|post=,}} Walmart Chile operates around 384 stores under the banners Lider, Express de Lider, Superbodega Acuenta, and Central Mayorista.<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/>

==== Mexico ====
{{Main|Walmart de México y Centroamérica}}

[[File:Walmart avila camacho .jpg|thumb|Walmart in Mexico|alt=]]
Walmart opened its first international store in Mexico in 1991.<ref name="Volpe"/>
{{As of|2022|10|31|df=US|post=,}} Walmart's Mexico division, the largest outside the U.S., consisted of 2,804 stores.<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> Walmart in Mexico operates Walmart Supercenter, Sam's Club, [[Bodega Aurrera]], Mi Bodega Aurrera, Bodega Aurrera Express and Walmart Express.<ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/>

==== Canada ====
{{Main|Walmart Canada}}

[[File:RichmondHillWalmart.jpg|thumb|Walmart Supercentre in [[Richmond Hill, Ontario]], Canada in September 2017|alt=]]

Walmart has operated in Canada since it acquired 122&nbsp;stores comprising the [[Woolco]] division of [[F.&nbsp;W. Woolworth Company|Woolworth Canada, Inc]] on January 14, 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/when-walmart-set-its-sights-on-the-canadian-market-1.5418192|title=When Walmart set its sights on the Canadian market|work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC Archives]]|date=January 14, 1994|access-date=January 14, 2020|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030021318/https://www.cbc.ca/archives/when-walmart-set-its-sights-on-the-canadian-market-1.5418192|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022|10|31|df=US|post=,}} it operates 402&nbsp;locations (including 343&nbsp;supercentres and 59 discount stores)<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> and, {{as of|2015|June|df=US|lc=y|post=,}} it employs 89,358 people, with a local home office in [[Mississauga]], Ontario.<ref name="WalmartCanada">{{cite web |title = Walmart Canada: Corporate Information |url = http://walmartcanada.ca/Pages/About%20Us/168/168/168?lang=en |publisher = Walmart |access-date = January 19, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004202059/http://walmartcanada.ca/Pages/About%20Us/168/168/168?lang=en |archive-date = October 4, 2012 }}</ref> Walmart Canada's first three Supercentres (spelled in [[Canadian English]]) opened in November 2006 in [[Ancaster, Ontario|Ancaster]], [[London, Ontario|London]], and [[Stouffville, Ontario|Stouffville]], Ontario.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2006/11/07/wawlmart-superstores.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114024143/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2006/11/07/wawlmart-superstores.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 14, 2012|title=Wal-Mart unveils plans to open up to 14 supercentres in 2007 – CBC News|date=November 14, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2018}}</ref>

In 2010, approximately one year after its incorporation of Schedule 2 (foreign-owned, deposit-taking) of Canada's ''[[Bank Act (Canada)|Bank Act]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-08-08/html/notice-avis-eng.html|title= Canada Gazette – Government Notices|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220034007/http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-08-08/html/notice-avis-eng.html |archive-date=December 20, 2010 }}</ref> Walmart Canada Bank was introduced with the launch of the Walmart (Canada) Rewards MasterCard.<ref name="walmart_canada_bank">{{cite news |title = Walmart Canada Bank launches Walmart Rewards MasterCard |url = http://smr.newswire.ca/en/walmart-canada-bank/walmart-canada-bank-launches-walmart-rewards-mastercard |access-date = June 29, 2011 |newspaper = newswire.ca |date = June 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100621125620/http://smr.newswire.ca/en/walmart-canada-bank/walmart-canada-bank-launches-walmart-rewards-mastercard |archive-date = June 21, 2010 }}</ref> Less than ten years later, however, on May 17, 2018, Wal-Mart Canada announced it had reached a definitive agreement to sell Wal-Mart Canada Bank to [[First National Financial Corporation|First National]] co-founder Stephen Smith and private equity firm [[Centerbridge Partners|Centerbridge Partners, L.P.]], on undisclosed financial terms, though it added that it would still be issuer of the Walmart (Canada) Rewards MasterCard.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/walmart-sells-canadian-banking-operation-to-u-s-firm-canadian-financier-1.3935092|title=Walmart sells Canadian banking operation to U.S. firm, Canadian financier|date=May 17, 2018|agency=The Canadian Press|access-date=August 26, 2019|publisher=CTV News Online|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207023705/https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/walmart-sells-canadian-banking-operation-to-u-s-firm-canadian-financier-1.3935092|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 1, 2019, [[Centerbridge Partners|Centerbridge Partners, L.P.]] and Stephen Smith jointly announced the closing of the previously announced acquisition of Wal-Mart Canada Bank and that it was to be renamed Duo Bank of Canada, to be styled simply as Duo Bank.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/stephen-smith-and-centerbridge-partners-l-p-complete-acquisition-of-walmart-canada-bank-847394003.html|title=Stephen Smith and Centerbridge Partners, L.P. Complete Acquisition of Walmart Canada Bank|date=April 1, 2019|website=Canada Newswire|publisher=CISION|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008210929/https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/stephen-smith-and-centerbridge-partners-l-p-complete-acquisition-of-walmart-canada-bank-847394003.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Duo Bank |url=https://www.duobank.com/ |access-date=August 26, 2019 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021045414/https://www.duobank.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Though exact ownership percentages were never revealed in either company announcement, it has also since been revealed that Duo Bank was reclassified as a Schedule 1 (domestic, deposit-taking)<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Services |url=https://www.duobank.com/our-services/ |website=Duo Bank |access-date=August 26, 2019 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021035426/https://www.duobank.com/our-services/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="osfi-wwr">{{cite web |title=Who We Regulate |date=October 30, 2012 |url=http://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/Eng/wt-ow/Pages/wwr-er.aspx?sc=1&gc=1&ic=1#WWRLink111 |publisher=Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions |access-date=August 26, 2019 |archive-date=December 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222171549/https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/Eng/wt-ow/Pages/wwr-er.aspx?sc=1&gc=1&ic=1#WWRLink111 |url-status=live }}</ref> federally chartered bank of the ''[[Bank Act (Canada)|Bank Act]]'' in Canada from the Schedule 2 (foreign-owned or -controlled, deposit-taking)<ref name="osfi-wwr"/> that it had been, which indicates that Stephen Smith, as a noted Canadian businessman, is in a [[Controlling interest|controlling]] position.

==== Africa ====

On September 28, 2010, Walmart announced it would buy [[Massmart Holdings Ltd]]. of [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]] in a deal worth over {{US$|4&nbsp;billion}} giving the company its first footprint in Africa.<ref name="Wake">{{cite news |url = http://www.journalnow.com/business/head-of-wal-mart-tells-wfu-audience-of-plans-for/article_5ad539d5-d616-55ba-ab27-aeaf45b06074.html |title = Head of Walmart tells WFU audience of plans for growth over next 20 years |last = Daniel |first = Fran |work = [[Winston-Salem Journal]] |date = September 29, 2010 |access-date = March 7, 2016 |archive-date = June 19, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160619100256/http://www.journalnow.com/business/head-of-wal-mart-tells-wfu-audience-of-plans-for/article_5ad539d5-d616-55ba-ab27-aeaf45b06074.html |url-status = live }}</ref> {{As of|2022|10|31|df=US|post=,}} it has 411 stores, including 361 stores in South Africa (under the banners Game Foodco, CBW, Game, Builders Express, Builders Warehouse, Cambridge, Rhino, Makro, Builders Trade Depot, Jumbo, and Builders Superstore),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 11 stores in [[Botswana]] (under the banners CBW, Game Foodco, and Builders Warehouse),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 4 stores in [[Ghana]] (under the Game Foodco banner),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 4 stores in [[Kenya]] (under the banners Game Foodco and Builders Warehouse),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 3 stores in [[Lesotho]] (under the banners CBW and Game Foodco),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/> 2 stores in [[Malawi]] (under the Game banner),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 6 stores in [[Mozambique]] (under the banners Builders Warehouse, Game Foodco, CBW, and Builders Express),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 5 stores in [[Namibia]] (under the banners Game Foodco and Game),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 5 stores in [[Nigeria]] (under the banners Game and Game Foodco),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 1 store in [[Eswatini|Swaziland]] (under the CBW banner),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 1 store in [[Tanzania]] (under the Game Foodco banner),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 1 store in [[Uganda]] (under the Game banner),<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> and 7 stores in [[Zambia]] (under the banners CBW, Game Foodco, Builders Warehouse, and Builders Express).<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/>

{{anchor|Asia}}
<!-- There is a redirect [[Wal-Mart Asia]] to the section heading #Asia which no longer exists. Fortunately, the three Asian countries (China, India, Japan) are still contiguous so we can place an anchor here. See [[WP:LINK2SECT]], [[WP:RSECT]]. -->

==== China ====
[[File:20170212 Bilingual signs in Walmart Hangzhou Toys.jpg|thumb|upright|A Walmart in [[Hangzhou]], China in February 2017|alt=An aisle in a Walmart store in China]]

Walmart has joint ventures in China and several majority-owned subsidiaries. {{As of|2022|10|31|df=US|post=,}} Walmart China (沃尔玛 ''Wò'ērmǎ'')<ref>{{cite web |title = Walmart China – Official website |url = http://www.wal-martchina.com/walmart/wminchina_map.htm |website = wal-martchina.com |publisher = Walmart |access-date = March 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160314042735/http://wal-martchina.com/walmart/wminchina_map.htm |archive-date = March 14, 2016}}</ref> operates 369 stores under the Walmart Supercenter and Sam's Club banners.<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/>

In February 2012, Walmart announced that the company raised its stake to 51 percent in Chinese online supermarket [[Yihaodian]] to tap rising consumer wealth and help the company offer more products. Walmart took full ownership in July 2015.<ref name="Jourdan 15">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart buys out China e-commerce firm Yihaodian in online push |last1 = Jourdan |first1 = Adam |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wal-mart-stores-china-yihaodian-idUSKCN0PX0D220150723 |work = Reuters |date = July 23, 2015 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082807/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-wal-mart-stores-china-yihaodian-idUSKCN0PX0D220150723 |archive-date = March 4, 2016}}</ref>

In December 2021, the [[Chinese Communist Party]]'s [[Central Commission for Discipline Inspection]] warned Walmart about not stocking products made from inputs from [[Xinjiang]] in response to the [[Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lin|first=Liza|date=December 31, 2021|title=China Warns Walmart Against Removing Products Made in Xinjiang|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-warns-walmart-against-removing-products-made-in-xinjiang-11640967233|access-date=January 2, 2022|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101213807/https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-warns-walmart-against-removing-products-made-in-xinjiang-11640967233|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== India ====
[[File:Best Price Modern Wholesale, Hyderabad, India(10 Aug 2019).jpg|thumb|A Best Price Modern Wholesale store in [[Hyderabad]]]]
<!-- Courtesy note per [[MOS:LINK2SECT]]: [[India walmart]], [[Walmart (India)]] and others redirect here -->
In November 2006, the company announced a joint venture with [[Bharti Enterprises]] to operate in India. As foreign corporations were not allowed to enter the retail sector directly, Walmart operated through franchises and handled the wholesale end of the business.<ref name="walmartindia">Giridharadas A., Rai S. [https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/27/business/worldbusiness/27cnd-walmart.html "Walmart to Open Hundreds of Stores in India"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701110549/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/27/business/worldbusiness/27cnd-walmart.html |date=July 1, 2017 }}. ''The New York Times''. November 27, 2006. Retrieved November 27, 2006.</ref> The partnership involved two joint ventures—Bharti manages the front end, involving opening of retail outlets while Walmart takes care of the back end, such as [[cold chain]]s and logistics. Walmart operates stores in India under the name Best Price Modern Wholesale.<ref name="Mathew 13">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart to run India wholesale business single-handedly |last1 = Mathew |first1 = Jerin |url = http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/wal-mart-bharti-india-retail-fdi-reforms-512464 |newspaper = [[International Business Times]] |date = October 9, 2013 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160306222500/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/wal-mart-bharti-india-retail-fdi-reforms-512464 |archive-date = March 6, 2016}}</ref> The first store opened in [[Amritsar]] on May 30, 2009. On September 14, 2012, the Government of India approved 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retails, subject to approval by individual states, effective September 20, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title = Govt allows FDI in multi-brand retail, aviation |url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Govt-allows-FDI-in-multi-brand-retail-aviation/articleshow/16397960.cms |date = September 14, 2012 |agency = Reuters |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120915090846/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Govt-allows-FDI-in-multi-brand-retail-aviation/articleshow/16397960.cms |archive-date = September 15, 2012 |work = The Times of India |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (FC-I Section), Press Note No.5 (2012 Series) – multi brand retail |publisher = Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India |date = September 20, 2012 |url = http://dipp.nic.in/English/acts_rules/Press_Notes/pn5_2012.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160222062405/http://dipp.nic.in/english/acts_rules/Press_Notes/pn5_2012.pdf |archive-date = February 22, 2016}}</ref> Scott Price, Walmart's president and CEO for Asia, told ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' that the company would be able to start opening Walmart stores in India within two years.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Walmart-hopes-to-open-first-India-store-in-18-months-Report/articleshow/16488898.cms |title = Walmart hopes to open first India store in 18 months: Report |work = The Times of India |date = September 21, 2012 |access-date = September 27, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150226212215/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Walmart-hopes-to-open-first-India-store-in-18-months-Report/articleshow/16488898.cms |archive-date = February 26, 2015}}</ref> Expansion into India faced some significant problems. In November 2012, Walmart admitted to spending {{US$|25&nbsp;million}} lobbying the [[Indian National Congress]];<ref name="indiatimes">{{cite news |title = Probe Walmart 'bribe', says opposition |url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-11/india/35748837_1_bharti-walmart-indian-market-fdi |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130117025430/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-11/india/35748837_1_bharti-walmart-indian-market-fdi |url-status = dead |archive-date = January 17, 2013 |newspaper = [[The Times of India]] |date = December 11, 2012 }}</ref> lobbying is conventionally considered bribery in India.<ref name="BBCnewsUS">{{cite news |title = US defends Walmart India lobbying |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20674717 |access-date = December 28, 2012 |publisher = BBC News India |date = December 11, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121214073534/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20674717 |archive-date = December 14, 2012}}</ref> Walmart is conducting an internal investigation into potential violations of the [[Foreign Corrupt Practices Act]].<ref name="NYTinquiry">{{cite news |last1 = Clifford |first1 = Stephanie |last2 = Barstow |first2 = David |title = Walmart Inquiry Reflects Alarm on Corruption |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/business/Walmart-expands-foreign-bribery-investigation.html |access-date = December 28, 2012 |work = The New York Times |date = November 15, 2012 |archive-date = July 29, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200729162555/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/business/Walmart-expands-foreign-bribery-investigation.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Bharti Walmart suspended a number of employees, rumored to include its CFO and legal team, to ensure "a complete and thorough investigation".<ref name="NYTIndianBribery">{{cite news |last = Bajaj |first = Vikas |title = India Unit of Walmart Suspends Employees |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/24/business/global/Walmarts-india-venture-suspends-executives-as-part-of-bribery-inquiry.html |access-date = December 28, 2012 |newspaper = The New York Times |date = November 23, 2012 |archive-date = July 29, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200729171405/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/24/business/global/Walmarts-india-venture-suspends-executives-as-part-of-bribery-inquiry.html |url-status = live }}</ref> In October 2013, Bharti and Walmart separated to pursue business independently.<ref name="Times of India">{{cite news |title = Bharti, Wal-Mart end joint venture |url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Bharti-Wal-Mart-end-joint-venture/articleshow/23848813.cms |date = October 10, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161210181157/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Bharti-Wal-Mart-end-joint-venture/articleshow/23848813.cms |archive-date = December 10, 2016}}</ref>

On May 9, 2018, Walmart announced its intent to acquire a 77% majority stake in the Indian e-commerce company [[Flipkart]] for $16&nbsp;billion, in a deal that was completed on August 18, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-bets-15-billion-on-an-e-commerce-passage-to-india-1525690804|title=Walmart Bets $15 Billion on an E-Commerce Passage to India|last1=Purnell|first1=Newley|date=May 7, 2018|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=May 7, 2018|last2=Bellman|first2=Eric|issn=0099-9660|last3=Abrams|first3=Corinne|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031102/https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-bets-15-billion-on-an-e-commerce-passage-to-india-1525690804|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/walmart-expects-to-close-flipkart-deal-by-the-end-of-2018-2583161.html|title=Walmart expects to close Flipkart deal by the end of 2018|website=Moneycontrol|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 6, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028155507/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/walmart-expects-to-close-flipkart-deal-by-the-end-of-2018-2583161.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Walmart completes deal to acquire 77% stake in Flipkart, to invest $2 billion – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/walmart-completes-deal-to-acquire-77-stake-in-flipkart-to-invest-2-billion/articleshow/65454382.cms |website=The Times of India |date=August 18, 2018 |access-date=August 30, 2018 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109020318/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/walmart-completes-deal-to-acquire-77-stake-in-flipkart-to-invest-2-billion/articleshow/65454382.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2022|10|31|df=US|post=,}} there are 28 Best Price Modern Wholesale locations.<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/>

==== Setbacks ====
<!-- Courtesy note per [[MOS:LINK2SECT]]: [[Walmart Brasil]] and others link here. -->
In the 1990s, Walmart tried with a large financial investment to get a foothold in both German and Indonesian retail markets.

Walmart entered Indonesia with the opening of stores in [[Lippo Karawaci|Lippo]] Supermall (now known as Supermal Karawaci) and Megamall Pluit (now known as [[Pluit Village]]) respectively, under a joint-venture agreement with local conglomerate [[Lippo Group]]. Both stores closed down due to the [[1997 Asian financial crisis]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 9, 2021|title=5 brand terkenal di dunia yang gagal ekspansi di Indonesia!|url=https://bisnika.hops.id/4-brand-terkenal-di-dunia-yang-gagal-ekspansi-di-indonesia/|access-date=July 19, 2021|website=Info Bisnis dan Keuangan|language=en-US|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719061856/https://bisnika.hops.id/4-brand-terkenal-di-dunia-yang-gagal-ekspansi-di-indonesia/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Profil – Walmart|url=https://www.merdeka.com/walmart/profil/|access-date=July 19, 2021|website=merdeka.com|language=en|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719061851/https://www.merdeka.com/walmart/profil/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pintak|first=Lawrence|date=March 13, 1998|title=Lippo Group sues Wal-Mart over Indonesia pullout (Washington Times)|url=https://pintak.com/1998/03/12/lippo-group-sues-wal-mart-over-indonesia-pullout-washington-times/|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=Lawrence Pintak|language=en|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730073131/https://pintak.com/1998/03/12/lippo-group-sues-wal-mart-over-indonesia-pullout-washington-times/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1997, Walmart took over the supermarket chain Wertkauf with its 21 stores for [[Deutsche Mark|DM]]750&nbsp;million<ref>[http://www.ka-news.de/wirtschaft/karlsruhe/Karlsruhe;art127,52059 "Metro takes over Walmart"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618032055/http://www.ka-news.de/wirtschaft/karlsruhe/Karlsruhe;art127,52059 |date=June 18, 2009 }}. (in German). ka-news. August 3, 2006</ref> and the following year Walmart acquired 74 Interspar stores for DM1.3&nbsp;billion.<ref>[http://www.zeit.de/1999/40/Schnitte "Cuts"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301024822/http://www.zeit.de/1999/40/Schnitte |date=March 1, 2016 }}. (in German). ''[[Die Zeit]]''.</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20140119084037/http://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/news/Walmart-in-deutschland-ein-zwerg-536713.html "A Dwarf in Germany"]. (in German). ''[[Stern (magazine)|Stern]]''. February 18, 2005.</ref> The German market at this point was an oligopoly with high competition among companies which used a similar low price strategy as Walmart. As a result, Walmart's low price strategy yielded no competitive advantage. Walmart's [[Organizational culture|corporate culture]] was not viewed positively among employees and customers, particularly Walmart's "statement of ethics", which attempted to restrict relationships between employees, a possible violation of German labor law, and led to a public discussion in the media, resulting in a bad reputation among customers.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/549609.html |title = Walmart Employees may love too |work = Stern |date = November 15, 2005 |language=de |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080530013145/http://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/549609.html |archive-date = May 30, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.welt.de/print-welt/article177942/Walmart-Mitarbeiter_duerfen_flirten.html |title = Walmart Employees may flirt |language=de |newspaper = [[Die Welt]] |date = November 15, 2005 }}</ref> In July 2006, Walmart announced its withdrawal from Germany due to sustained losses. The stores were sold to the German company [[Metro AG|Metro]] during Walmart's fiscal third quarter.<ref name="Boyle 09" /><ref name="walmartgermany">{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5223432.stm |title = Walmart Abandons German Venture |work = BBC News |date = July 28, 2006 |access-date = July 31, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090115081000/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5223432.stm |archive-date = January 15, 2009}}</ref> Walmart did not disclose its losses from its German investment, but they were estimated to be around {{Euro}}3&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,429017,00.html |title = Spiegel: Why the american Titan failed |language=de |magazine = [[Der Spiegel]] |date = July 28, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120118130337/http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,429017,00.html |archive-date = January 18, 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Hiper Bompreço.JPG|thumb|A [[Bompreço|Hiper Bompreço]] in [[Natal, Brazil]] in May 2008]]

In 2004, Walmart bought the 118&nbsp;stores in the [[Bompreço]] supermarket chain in northeastern Brazil. In late 2005, it took control of the Brazilian operations of [[Sonae]] Distribution Group through its new subsidiary, WMS Supermercados do Brasil, thus acquiring control of the Nacional and Mercadorama supermarket chains, the leaders in the [[Rio Grande do Sul]] and [[Paraná (state)|Paraná]] states, respectively. None of these stores were rebranded. {{As of|2014|01|df=US|post=,}} Walmart operated 61 Bompreço supermarkets, 39&nbsp;Hiper Bompreço stores. It also ran 57&nbsp;Walmart Supercenters, 27&nbsp;Sam's Clubs, and 174 Todo Dia stores. With the acquisition of Bompreço and Sonae, by 2010, Walmart was the third-largest supermarket chain in Brazil, behind [[Carrefour]] and [[GPA (company)|Pão de Açúcar]].<ref name="WalmartBrazil">{{cite web |title = Walmart Corporate: Brazil |url = http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/locations/brazil |publisher = Walmart |access-date = January 19, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140211004203/http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/locations/brazil |archive-date = February 11, 2014}}</ref>

Walmart Brasil, the operating company, has its head office in [[Barueri]], São Paulo State, and regional offices in [[Curitiba]], Paraná; [[Porto Alegre]], Rio Grande do Sul; [[Recife]], Pernambuco; and [[Salvador, Bahia|Salvador]], Bahia.<ref>"[http://www.walmartbrasil.com.br/sobre-o-walmart/no-brasil/ No Brasil] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510133406/http://www.walmartbrasil.com.br/sobre-o-walmart/no-brasil/ |date=May 10, 2015 }}." [[Walmart Brasil]]. Retrieved November 7, 2011.</ref> Walmart Brasil operates under the banners Todo Dia, Nacional, Bompreço, Walmart Supercenter, Maxxi Atacado, Hipermercado Big, Hiper Bompreço, Sam's Club, Mercadorama, Walmart Posto (Gas Station), Supermercado Todo Dia, and Hiper Todo Dia. Recently, the company started the conversion process of all Hiper Bompreço and Big stores into Walmart Supercenters and Bompreço, Nacional and Mercadorama stores into the Walmart Supermercado brand.

Since August 2018, Walmart Inc. only holds a minority stake in Walmart Brasil, which was renamed Grupo Big on August 12, 2019,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Feliciano|first=Dorah|date=August 13, 2019|title=Walmart Brazil Renamed 'Grupo Big' and Plans to Expand its Stores|url=https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/brazil/walmart-brazil-gets-renamed-to-grupo-big-and-plans-to-expand-its-stores/|website=The Rio Times|access-date=August 14, 2019|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127170932/https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/brazil/walmart-brazil-gets-renamed-to-grupo-big-and-plans-to-expand-its-stores/|url-status=live}}</ref> with 20% of the company's shares, and [[private equity]] firm [[Advent International]] holding 80% ownership of the company.<ref name="AdventWalmartBrazil">{{cite web |title = Advent International to acquire majority stake in Walmart Brazil |date = June 4, 2018 |url = https://www.adventinternational.com/advent-international-acquire-majority-stake-walmart-brazil/ |publisher = Advent International |access-date = October 23, 2018 |archive-date = December 16, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201216224224/https://www.adventinternational.com/advent-international-acquire-majority-stake-walmart-brazil/ |url-status = live }}</ref> On March 24, 2021, it was announced that [[Carrefour]] would be acquiring Grupo Big.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Carrefour reinforces its leading position in Brazil with the acquisition of Grupo BIG|url=https://www.carrefour.com/en/actuality/carrefour-reinforces-its-leading-position-brazil-acquisition-grupo-big|access-date=May 18, 2021|website=Carrefour Group|archive-date=May 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518195452/https://www.carrefour.com/en/actuality/carrefour-reinforces-its-leading-position-brazil-acquisition-grupo-big|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Walmart Supercenter Argentina.jpg|thumb|A Walmart Supercenter in Argentina in February 2019]]

Walmart Argentina was founded in 1995 and operates stores under the banners Walmart Supercenter, Changomas, Mi Changomas, and Punto Mayorista. On November 6, 2020, it was announced that Walmart has sold its Argentine operations to Grupo de Narváez and renamed Hiper Changomas.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grupo de Narváez Acquires Full Ownership of Walmart Argentina|url=https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/11/06/grupo-de-narvaez-acquires-full-ownership-of-walmart-argentina|access-date=November 6, 2020|website=Corporate – US|archive-date=December 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214161714/https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/11/06/grupo-de-narvaez-acquires-full-ownership-of-walmart-argentina|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Asda, Dalgety Bay, Nov 2008 - geograph.org.uk - 1045503.jpg|thumb|ASDA Supermarket in Fife, Scotland]]

Walmart's UK subsidiary [[Asda]] (which retained its name after being acquired by Walmart) is based in [[Leeds]] and accounted for 42.7&nbsp;percent of 2006 sales of Walmart's international division. In contrast to the U.S. operations, Asda was originally and still remains primarily a grocery chain, but with a stronger focus on non-food items than most UK supermarket chains other than [[Tesco]]. In 2010 Asda acquired stores from [[Netto UK]]. In addition to small suburban Asda Supermarkets,<ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> larger stores are branded Supercentres.<ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/><!-- Supercentres is correct; see talk page. --> Other banners include Asda Superstores, Asda Living, and Asda Petrol Fueling Station.<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/><ref>[http://www.asda.jobs/all-about/who-we-are/stores.html ASDA Careers: All about ASDA Stores]. Retrieved August 7, 2011 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803164941/http://www.asda.jobs/all-about/who-we-are/stores.html |date=August 3, 2011 }}</ref> In July 2015, Asda updated its logo featuring the Walmart Asterisks behind the first 'A' in the Logo. In May 2018, Walmart announced plans to sell Asda to rival [[Sainsbury's]] for $10.1&nbsp;billion. Under the terms of the deal, Walmart would have received a 42% stake in the combined company and about £3&nbsp;billion in cash.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-to-merge-british-unit-asda-with-u-k-rival-sainsbury-1525070178|title=Walmart to Sell British Unit Asda to U.K. Rival Sainsbury|last=Chaudhuri|first=Saabira|date=April 30, 2018|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=May 2, 2018|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109042529/https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-to-merge-british-unit-asda-with-u-k-rival-sainsbury-1525070178|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in April 2019, the United Kingdom's [[Competition and Markets Authority]] blocked the proposed sale of Asda to Sainsburys.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/25/business/sainsburys-asda-takeover-blocked/index.html|title=Walmart's $9 billion deal to sell its UK supermarkets is dead|first1=Daniel|last1=Shane|first2=Ivana|last2=Kottasová|work=CNN|date=April 25, 2019|access-date=April 26, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003534/https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/25/business/sainsburys-asda-takeover-blocked/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 2, 2020, it was announced that Walmart will sell a majority stake of Asda to a consortium of [[Zuber Issa|Zuber]] and [[Mohsin Issa]] (the owners of [[EG Group]]) and private equity firm [[TDR Capital]] for £6.8bn, pending approval from the Competition and Markets Authority.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54383131|title=Asda bought by billionaire Issa brothers in £6.8bn deal|publisher=BBC|date=October 2, 2020|access-date=October 2, 2020|archive-date=December 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221003122/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54383131|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Japan, Walmart owned 100 percent of [[Seiyu Group|Seiyu]] (西友 ''Seiyū'') {{as of|2008|df=US|lc=y|post=.}}<ref name="Boyle 09">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart's painful lessons |last1 = Boyle |first1 = Matthew |url = http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/oct2009/ca20091013_227022.htm |magazine = Bloomberg |date = October 13, 2009 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307205619/http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/oct2009/ca20091013_227022.htm |archive-date = March 7, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-business/locations/#/japan |title = Walmart Corporate – Japan |publisher = Walmart |access-date = January 19, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140104115055/http://corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-business/locations/#/japan |archive-date = January 4, 2014}}</ref> It operates under the Seiyu (Hypermarket), Seiyu (Supermarket), Seiyu (General Merchandise), Livin, and Sunny banners.<ref name="Unit Counts & Square Footage"/><ref name="Unit Counts by Country"/> 
On November 16, 2020, Walmart announced they would be selling 65% of their shares in the company to the private-equity firm [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts|KKR]] in a deal valuing 329 stores and 34,600 employees at $1.6&nbsp;billion. Walmart is supposed to retain 15% and a seat on the board, while a joint-venture between KKR and Japanese company [[Rakuten|Rakuten Inc.]] will receive 20%.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Narioka|first=Peter Landers and Kosaku|date=November 16, 2020|title=Walmart Retreats Around Globe to Focus on E-Commerce|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-retreats-around-globe-to-focus-on-e-commerce-11605518960|access-date=November 17, 2020|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222213136/https://www.wsj.com/articles/walmart-retreats-around-globe-to-focus-on-e-commerce-11605518960|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Corruption charges ====
<!-- Courtesy note per [[MOS:LINK2SECT]]: [[Corruption chargest against Walmart]] (sic, "chargest") redirects here. -->
An April 2012 investigation by ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported the allegations of a former executive of Walmart de Mexico that, in September 2005, the company had paid [[bribery|bribes]] via local fixers to officials throughout Mexico in exchange for construction permits, information, and other favors, which gave Walmart a substantial advantage over competitors.<ref name="NYTBribe">{{cite news |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/business/at-wal-mart-in-mexico-a-bribe-inquiry-silenced.html |title = Vast Mexican Bribery Case Hushed Up by Walmart After High-Level Struggle |newspaper = The New York Times |first = David |last = Barstow |date = April 21, 2012 |access-date = April 22, 2012 |archive-date = September 10, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190910013428/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/business/at-wal-mart-in-mexico-a-bribe-inquiry-silenced.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Walmart investigators found credible evidence that Mexican and American laws had been broken. Concerns were also raised that Walmart executives in the United States had "hushed up" the allegations. A follow-up investigation by ''The New York Times'', published December 17, 2012, revealed evidence that regulatory permission for siting, construction, and operation of nineteen stores had been obtained through bribery. There was evidence that a bribe of {{US$|52,000}} was paid to change a zoning map, which enabled the opening of a Walmart store a mile from a historical site in [[San Juan Teotihuacán]] in 2004.<ref name="NYT92904">{{cite news |title = No, the Conquistadors Are Not Back. It's Just Walmart. |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/28/international/americas/28mexico.html |access-date = December 18, 2012 |newspaper = The New York Times |date = September 28, 2004 |author = James C. McKinley Jr. |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121218213105/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/28/international/americas/28mexico.html |archive-date = December 18, 2012}}</ref> After the initial article was released, Walmart released a statement denying the allegations and describing its anti-corruption policy. While an official Walmart report states that it had found no evidence of corruption, the article alleges that previous internal reports had indeed turned up such evidence before the story became public.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/lydiadishman/2012/04/22/walmart-in-mexico/ |title = What Walmart Might Do With Allegations of Bribery in Mexico |first = Lydia |last = Dishman |date = April 22, 2012 |access-date = April 23, 2012 |work = [[Forbes]] |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120423132905/http://www.forbes.com/sites/lydiadishman/2012/04/22/walmart-in-mexico/ |archive-date = April 23, 2012}}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine contributor Adam Hartung also commented that the bribery scandal was a reflection of Walmart's "serious management and strategy troubles", stating, "[s]candals are now commonplace&nbsp;... [e]ach scandal points out that Walmart's strategy is harder to navigate and is running into big problems".<ref>{{cite news |last = Hartung |first = Adam |title = WalMart's Mexican Bribery Scandal Will Sink It Like an Iceberg Sank the Titanic |url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamhartung/2012/04/26/walmarts-mexican-bribery-scandal-will-sink-it-like-the-icerberg-sank-the-titanic/ |work = Forbes |access-date = July 2, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120703221317/http://www.forbes.com/sites/adamhartung/2012/04/26/walmarts-mexican-bribery-scandal-will-sink-it-like-the-icerberg-sank-the-titanic/ |archive-date = July 3, 2012}}</ref>

In 2012, there was an incident with CJ's Seafood, a crawfish processing firm in Louisiana that was partnered with Walmart, that eventually gained media attention for the mistreatment of its 40 H-2B visa workers from Mexico. These workers experienced harsh living conditions in tightly packed trailers outside of the work facility, physical threats, verbal abuse, and were forced to work day-long shifts. Many of the workers were afraid to take action about the abuse due to the fact that the manager threatened the lives of their family members in the U.S. and Mexico if the abuse were to be reported. Eight of the workers confronted management at CJ's Seafood about the mistreatment; however, the management denied the abuse allegations and the workers went on strike. The workers then took their stories to Walmart due to their partnership with CJ's. While Walmart was investigating the situation, the workers collected 150,000 signatures of supporters who agreed that Walmart should stand by the workers and take action. In June 2012, the visa workers held a protest and day-long hunger strike outside of the apartment building where a Walmart board member resided. Following this protest, Walmart announced its final decision to no longer work with CJ's Seafood. Less than a month later, the Department of Labor fined CJ's Seafood "approximately $460,000 in back-pay, safety violations, wage and hour violations, civil damages, and fines for abuses to the H-2B program. The company has since shut down."<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/mexican-guest-workers-gain-walmart-federal-response-louisiana-usa-2012 |title = Mexican guest workers gain Walmart, federal response, Louisiana, USA, 2012 |last = Capron |first = Christopher |date = November 11, 2012 |website = Global Nonviolent Action Database |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170929000345/https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/mexican-guest-workers-gain-walmart-federal-response-louisiana-usa-2012 |archive-date = September 29, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date = September 28, 2017}}</ref>

{{As of|2012|December|df=US|post=,}} internal investigations were ongoing into possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.<ref name="NYT121712">{{cite news |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/18/business/walmart-bribes-teotihuacan.html |title = The Bribery Aisle: How Wal-Mart Got Its Way in Mexico |work = The New York Times |date = December 17, 2012 |access-date = April 29, 2013 |author1 = Barstow, David |author2 = von Bertrab, Alejandra Xanic |author-link1 = David Barstow |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130322234030/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/18/business/walmart-bribes-teotihuacan.html |archive-date = March 22, 2013}}</ref> Walmart has invested {{US$|99&nbsp;million}} on internal investigations, which expanded beyond Mexico to implicate operations in China, Brazil, and India.<ref name="Clifford 12">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart inquiry reflects alarm on corruption |last1 = Clifford |first1 = Stephanie |last2 = Barnstow |first2 = David |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/business/wal-mart-expands-foreign-bribery-investigation.html |newspaper = The New York Times |date = November 15, 2012 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925051846/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/business/wal-mart-expands-foreign-bribery-investigation.html |archive-date = September 25, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Brown 12">{{cite news |title = Wal-Mart bribery probe expands past Mexico to Brazil, China and India |last1 = Brown |first1 = Abram |url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2012/11/15/probe-into-wal-mart-bribery-past-mexico-to-brazil-china-and-india/ |magazine = Forbes |date = November 15, 2012 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304132316/http://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2012/11/15/probe-into-wal-mart-bribery-past-mexico-to-brazil-china-and-india/#6973d1417561 |archive-date = March 4, 2016}}</ref> The case has added fuel to the debate as to whether foreign investment will result in increased prosperity, or if it merely allows local retail trade and economic policy to be taken over by "foreign financial and corporate interests".<ref name="Sharma 12">{{cite news |title = India government agency probes Wal-Mart investments |last1 = Sharma |first1 = Malavika |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-12-05/india-government-agency-probes-wal-mart-investments |magazine = Bloomberg |date = December 5, 2012 |access-date = February 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160314064550/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-12-05/india-government-agency-probes-wal-mart-investments |archive-date = March 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="NYTIndia">{{cite news |last1 = Thirani |first1 = Neha |last2 = Kumar |first2 = Hari |title = Fact-Checking the F.D.I. Debates |url = http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/07/fact-checking-the-f-d-i-debates/ |access-date = December 28, 2012 |newspaper = The New York Times / International Herald Tribune |date = December 7, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121212010207/http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/07/fact-checking-the-f-d-i-debates/ |archive-date = December 12, 2012}}</ref>