By Spencer Hunt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

More than half of all publicly traded corporations in the country, including 58 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, have chosen Delaware as their legal home, according to the Delaware Division of Corporations. Here is a look at some of Greater Cincinnati's biggest corporations, where they are incorporated and what they have to say about the state taxes they pay.

Procter & Gamble Co.

Overview: Produces a variety of instantly recognizable name-brand consumer products, including Pampers, Tide, Charmin, Crest and Pringles in 38 manufacturing facilities in the United States and 89 facilities in other countries.

Incorporated in: Ohio.

Taxes: $66 million paid to Ohio and local governments.

"In terms of the relative tax climate, as of right now, Ohio is relatively competitive. We think we have a level playing field. Right now, as far as we're concerned, Ohio stacks out favorable compared to the other jurisdictions we could do business in," said Debbie Snellgrove, director of tax for North America.

Federated Department Stores Inc.

Overview: One of the nation's leading department store chains with 397 department stores in 34 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. The company's subsidiaries operate 460 stores under the names Bloomingdale's, Bon Marche, Burdines, Goldsmith's, Lazarus and Rich's-Macy's.

Incorporated in: Delaware.

Taxes: $17 million in Ohio last year.

"Ohio is our seventh highest state in taxes paid. We tend to be pretty conservative in our approach to interpreting tax laws and paying taxes," said Carol Sanger, vice president for corporate affairs.

Gannett Co. Inc.

Overview: The parent company of the Cincinnati Enquirer, USA Today and more than 100 newspapers in the United States and abroad.

Incorporated in: Delaware.

Taxes: The company does not give out state-specific tax information.

"Gannett pays its full share of taxes in Ohio," said Tara Connell, Gannett Co. spokeswoman.

Kroger Co.

Overview: One of the nation's largest grocers, Kroger runs more than 2,418 supermarkets, plus 789 convenience stores, 227 supermarket gas stations and 427 jewelry stores.

Incorporated in: Ohio

Taxes: Listed $403 million in taxes (federal and state) paid for 2001 in its most recent annual report.