Q2 Trading Update

For Immediate Release

19 September 2013

Booker Group plc ('Booker')

Quarter Two Trading Update and

Notification of Interim Results Announcement

Booker Group is the UK's leading food wholesaler. Total sales in the 12 weeks to 13 September 2013, including Makro, rose by 19.3% on the same period last year. Booker like-for-likes (excluding Makro) were 3.5% higher with non tobacco like-for-likes up 6.9%.

Total sales in the 24 weeks to 13 September 2013, including Makro, rose by 16.5% on the same period last year. Booker like-for-likes (excluding Makro) were 2.3% higher with non tobacco like-for-likes up 5.0%.

Booker Wholesale, our cash and carry division, had a good half. Customer numbers were up generating strong sales. The warm Summer weather helped our customers.

Booker Direct, our delivered wholesale division, also had a good half. Chef Direct, our foodservice business is making good progress.

The Makro turnaround is progressing well with non tobacco sales down 0.6% in the 12 weeks and down 1.9% in the half. Our plans for bringing Booker and Makro together are on track. We have made major strides on cash management. We have started to improve choice, prices and service for our catering, retail and small business customers.

In India we opened a further two branches in the first half, one in Mumbai and one in Surat, taking our total to six branches.

As at 13 September 2013 net cash was £123m versus net cash of £70m a year ago. The cash includes £12m from the sale and leaseback of two cash and carries. Following a good first half the outlook for the year as a whole remains unchanged.

Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive, said:

"Booker Group has had a good start to the year as we continue to focus, drive and broaden our enlarged business. Our plans for bringing Booker and Makro together are on track. We are continuing to improve the choice, prices and service to catering, retailing and small business customers in the UK."

Booker Group plc will announce its interim results for the 24 weeks to 13 September 2013 on Thursday 17 October 2013. A presentation for analysts will be held at 08:30 on 17 October. For details call Melanie Curtis at Tulchan Communications on 020 7353 4200.

Notes:

1. Makro was consolidated from 19 April 2013

2. Makro's like-for-like sales percentage decrease reflects its sales from 19 April 2013 to 13 September 2013 compared to the equivalent period in the prior year

3. Sales are stated net of value added tax

ENDS

For further information contact:

Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc)

020 7353 4200

Susanna Voyle

Rebecca Scott