3rd Sep 2015 06:26
LONDON (Alliance News) - Grocery wholesaler Booker Group PLC on Thursday said its total sales were lower in the ten weeks to August 28, hit by the ban imposed on small stores displaying tobacco products, though its non-tobacco sales edged higher.
The FTSE 250-listed company said its total sales for the ten weeks were down 2.0%, hit by a 6.5% decline in tobacco sales. Excluding tobacco, its sales were up 0.1%. Like-for-like total sales were down by 1.8% for the same reason, as tobacco sales fell 6.6% and its non-tobacco sales rose 0.5%. The results include Makro, its cash and carry division, which Booker said had a solid trading period.
Still, the group said it remains on course to meet its expectations for the full year to March 25, 2016.
"Booker Group continues to make good progress. Our plan to Focus, Drive and Broaden Booker Group is on track. We continue to improve choice, price and service to become the best supplier to caterers, retailers and small businesses in the UK," said Charles Wilson, Booker's chief executive.
In a separate statement, the company noted the approval announced late Wednesday by UK's Competition and Markets Authority, the antitrust regulator, of its acquisition of Musgrave Retail Partners GB Ltd, which includes the Londis and Budgens businesses in the UK.
"We are pleased that the acquisition of Londis and Budgens has been cleared by the CMA. This will help strengthen our support for independent retailers throughout Great Britain," Wilson added.
By Sam Unsted; [email protected]; @SamUAtAlliance
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