48 Our Structure An Overview E.ON has long been active along the entire value chain in power and gas. This business model has proven its worth in the marketplace. Today, we have a superb position from which to successfully meet the challenges in our markets. Our business is segmented into ten market units in line with the structure of our respective target markets. The lead company of each market unit is responsible for coordinating operations in its target market. Busi- ness units manage day-to-day operations in individual countries or regions and are the first point of contact for customers, communities, and government agencies. We have geographically segmented market units which reflect our regional markets. We also have func- tionally segmented market units, one of which operates across Europe and the other globally. The purpose of this segmentation is to leverage synergies and pool expertise. Corporate Center The Corporate Center's main tasks are to manage E.ON as an integrated energy company, chart E.ON's strategic course, define its financial policy and initiatives, manage business issues that transcend individual markets, manage risk, and continually optimize the Group's business portfolio. Central Europe market unit The companies of our Central Europe market unit supply customers in many Central European countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Romania. Pan-European Gas market unit Pan-European Gas is responsible for our gas business. Its lead company is one of Europe's premier gas companies and among the world's biggest investor-owned gas importers. Its customers include regional and municipal energy utilities, industrial enter- prises, and power stations in and outside Germany. U.K. market unit We're one of the United Kingdom's leading energy utilities, pro- viding power and gas service to residential, industrial, commercial, and municipal customers across Britain. Superbly positioned. For our customers.