Target is a public company owned the stockholders and investors.

Target is a publicly owned company. They are HQ'd in Minneapolis. Here is their profile...

Target Corporation operates general merchandise discount stores in the United States. It offers an assortment of general merchandise, including consumables and commodities; electronics, entertainment, sporting goods, and toys; apparel and accessories; and home furnishings and decor; as well as a line of food items. The company operates its stores under Target and SuperTarget brands. It also sells its merchandise online, as well as offers credit cards to its customers. In addition, the company runs Target Clinics in select twin cities Target stores, which offer various services, including flu shots; and treatment for common illnesses, such as strep throat, bronchitis, and skin conditions. As of November 17, 2006, Target operated 1,494 stores in 47 states. The company was incorporated in 1902 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In australia its the coles group, which is a pubilc company, the australia target has no relations to the USA stores

Target was owned by Dayton / Hudson. Hudon's was bought by Marshell Fields a couple of years ago. Now Macys owns Fields. I don't know where Target fell in all those deals.

Go to the Target web site and find out. Just about every major corporation has company info and history readily available.

Source(s)

Go to Target:
www.target.com

and at the bottom of the page go to their Company Info section...