Centrica plc is an integrated energy company. The Company’s main operations are in the United Kingdom, North America and Europe. It has two types of business: downstream and upstream. It supplies energy to homes and to businesses, and provides home and energy services. Downstream businesses include British Gas, Direct Energy in North America, and retail operations in Europe. It generates electricity and produces gas, and buys, stores and sells energy internationally. Upstream businesses include Centrica Energy in the United Kingdom, Norway, Nigeria and Trinidad; Centrica Storage in the United Kingdom; Direct Energy in North America, and assets and trading operations in Europe. In January 2009, it acquired GDF Suez SA’s 25.5% stake in SPE SA, giving Centrica plc a controlling 51% shareholding in SPE SA. In June 2009, it acquired Energy and Building Management Solutions Limited. As of September 4, 2009, the Company had acquired approximately 77.11% interest in Venture Production plc.