Wal-Mart, being one of the largest and most successful companies in the United States, has sought to expand overseas. The company has a very strong market research team analyzing different options and opportunities and now has more than 10,000 stores in 27 countries. However, the means used by Wal-Mart to enter some of these markets have been called into question. Investigations showed that the company bribed officials in several countries to obtain permits and licenses to build, operate and manage some stores. A specific case to analyze is the investigation conducted by the New York Times on how Wal-Mart entered the Mexican market. The article illustrates the actions taken by Wal-Mart to obtain “permission” to open strategic stores, among others, in Teotihuacan, very close to the pyramids and the tourist area. According to research, the store opened in December 2012 after more than $200,000 in payments to officials in order to acquire permits and licenses, and to expedite the regular process that would open them after the Christmas season. (Barstow). The rewards were intended for important and public figures including the former mayor of the city Guillermo Rodriguez, the top official of the body responsible for safeguarding the cultural heritage of Teotihuacan: the INAH, and most of the officials forming part of the committee in charge of protecting the cultural heritage of Teotihuacan. review and investigate cases of new business entities in the city. Additionally, Wal-Mart provided “gifts” and “donations” to schools and public organizations to distract the public who were raging against the store's opening. When Wal-Mart decided that a store in Teotihuacan, a busy tourist area, was a great idea, and that it would attract about 250 customers...... middle of paper...... from the people of Teotihuacan; among other things, Wal-Mart donated supplies to the community's elementary schools and built new offices for community leaders. Even though Wal-Mart de Mexico is a subsidiary of Wal-Mart, many of the decisions made must be approved by Wal-Mart -Market Headquarters. The New York Times investigation revealed that Wal-Mart de Mexico's former lawyer went to corporate headquarters and told them, among other facts, about the altered map. Although the company launched an investigation, it was closed with no irregularities found. This has made the company's ethical behavior very questionable and today Wal-Mart is under investigation by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission who are reviewing the case to find out whether Wal-Mart has committed any violations of the Foreign Corrupt Securities Act. practices. (Barstow).