As heated discussions take place in India over the issue of allowing 51 per cent foreign direct investment in the multi-brand retail sector and 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail, here's a look at the top 10 retail giants, listed in the Deloitte Global Powers of Retailing 2011 report.

1. Wal-Mart (United States )

The world's largest retail company, Wal-Mart was founded by Sam Walton in 1962. Incorporated on October 31, 1969, Walmart has 8,500 stores in 15 countries.

Sales in 2010: $405.04 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 7.3%

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2. Carrefour (France )

Carrefour S.A. headquartered in Levallois-Perret, France opened on January 1, 1958, in suburban Annecy.

The group was built by Marcel Fournier, Denis Defforey and Jacques Defforey. In 1995 it merged with Promodes, known as Continent, one of its major competitors in the French market.

Sales in 2010: $119.88 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 3.4%

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3. Metro (Germany)

Founded in 1964, Metro AG is a diversified retail and wholesale/cash and carry group based in Dusseldorf, Germany. It has the largest market share in its home market.

Sales in 2010: $90.85 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 3%

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4. Tesco (United Kingdom)

Tesco plc is a global grocery and general merchandise retailer headquartered in Cheshunt, United Kingdom.

Founded in 1919, it has stores in 14 countries across Asia, Europe and North America.

Sales in 2010: $90.43 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 10.9%

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5. Lidl Stiftung & Co (Germany)

Founded in the 1930s by a member of the Schwarz family, Lidl stores are present across 20 countries in Europe.

Sales in 2010: $77.22 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 9.8%

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6. The Kroger Co (US)

Founded in 1883, The Kroger Co is an American supermarket chain founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of 2010, Kroger has 3,619 stores.

Sales in 2010: $76.73 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 6.3%

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7. Costco (US)

Sales in 2010: $69.88 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 8.2%

Costco Wholesale Corporation is the largest membership warehouse club chain in the United States. Costco is also one of the largest retailers of fine wine.

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8. Aldi (Germany)

Albrecht Discount (ALdi), is a discount supermarket chain based in Germany started by brothers Karl Albrecht and Theo Albrecht.

Sales in 2010: $67.70 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 6.3%

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9. Home Depot (United States)

The Home Depot is an American retailer of home improvement and construction products and services. It has stores in 2,248 locations.

Sales in 2010: $66.17 bn
CAGR 2005-10: -2.0

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10. Target Corp (United States)

Founded in 1902 as Dayton Dry Goods, Target Corporation is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, after Walmart.

Sales in 2010: $63.43 bn
CAGR 2005-10: 6.8%