8th Jul 2015 07:00
For Immediate Release
8 July 2015
Booker Group plc ('Booker Group')
Annual General Meeting and Quarter One Trading Update
For the 12 weeks to 19 June 2015
Booker Group, the UK's leading food wholesaler, is holding its Annual General Meeting at 11am today. At the meeting, Chief Executive Charles Wilson will read out the following Trading Update:
"Overall Booker Group had a solid quarter. Total Group sales were up 0.2% and non tobacco like-for-likes (including Makro) were up 1.0%.
Total % | Tobacco % | Non Tobacco % | ||
Booker Group | Total | 0.2 | (0.9) | 0.7 |
Booker | Like-for-like (including Makro) | 0.4 | (0.9) | 1.0 |
Booker Wholesale with Makro, our cash and carry division, had a good quarter. Customer satisfaction improved and performance was in line with expectations. We now have eleven combined Booker/Makro sites. These are working well. Our delivered wholesale businesses Booker Direct, Chef Direct, Classic and Ritter had a good quarter. Sales in India are continuing to make progress.
Our balance sheet remains strong with a net cash position. As previously announced, we are today seeking shareholder approval to implement a capital return to shareholders of 3.50 pence per ordinary share at a cost of approximately £62m.
Booker Group remains on course to meet expectations for the year ending 25 March 2016.
As previously announced, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently considering the Londis and Budgens acquisition and we will update shareholders when the CMA stage 1 review is complete."
Charles Wilson, Chief Executive, said:
"Booker Group continues to make good progress. Our plans to Focus, Drive and Broaden Booker Group are on track. We continue to enhance choice, price and service for our retail, catering and small business customers."
Note:
Sales are stated net of value added tax
ENDS
For further information contact:
Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc)
020 7353 4200
Jonathan Sibun & Will Smith
Related Shares:
Booker Group