Eroski  Eroski is a Spanish supermarket chain with nearly 1,000 outlets spread across Spain (excluding franchises). It is run as a worker-consumer hybrid co-operative within the Mondragón Corporation group. The establishments vary in size from the largest hypermarkets, simply named 'Eroski' (of which there are 75 stores, including 40 with petrol stations), down to smaller 'Eroski Center' stores (473, including 2 petrol stations). There are also 219 'Eroski City' outlets and 234 'Eroski Viajes' travel agent centres. The group's total sales floor space is approximately . The name Eroski is a combination of the Basque words "erosi" (to buy) and "toki" (place). The company was founded in 1969 in the regions of Biscay and Gipuzkoa in Spain as a co-operative between ten supermarkets in the region. Its headquarters are located in Elorrio, Biscay. "Aliprox" supermarkets are not owned by Eroski, despite having a similar logo. Instead, Aliprox is the brand for franchises. These outlets are independently owned, but still maintain the same product ranges, sales policies and general standard expected throughout the company. There are presently 553 franchised outlets. As of mid-2016, Eroski's operating income is 45% higher than in the first semester of the 2015 and kept improving up to 54 million Euros    These names replace the former hierarchy of 'Eroski', 'Maxi', 'Consum' and 'Charter', the latter of which was the name reserved for smaller franchise stores. This rebranding took place during the course of 2003-2004 in an effort to re-focus the company as the many different names confused customers. Indeed, regardless of the name over the door, customers inevitably referred to the shops as 'Eroski', not Maxi or Charter. Under the new name, consumers are referring to the company correctly. In 2007, Eroski purchased Caprabo, adding around 500 supermarkets to the chain. Having taken a strong grip over the Spanish mainland, especially in the Basque Country from where the company originates. It is now expanding into France. They have three hypermarkets, eighteen supermarkets and seven petrol stations in the country at this time. Alongside this, they also own the Forum Sport store chain, 172 perfume shops and six cash and carry outlets. A merger with the Valencia-based co-operative "Consum" lasted only a few years.