Booker Group plc (BOK.L) reported its interim results for the 24 weeks ended 14 September 2012. Profit before tax increased to 51.0 million pounds from 45.0 million pounds prior year. Profit per share was 2.46 pence compared to 2.28 pence prior year. Revenue increased to 1.91 billion pounds compared to 1.85 billion pounds last year. Like-for-like sales were up 3.1%. Booker Group acquired Makro Holding Limited and two subsidiaries; Makro Properties Limited and Makro Self Service Wholesalers Limited on 4 July 2012. The Group has notified the transaction to the Office of Fair Trading and the competition review process is ongoing. Until the review is complete, the Group is required to hold the Makro business separate from the rest of Booker and the results of Makro are, therefore, not reflected in these results but are treated as an investment.
Charles Wilson, Chief Executive of Booker, commented: "Booker Direct, Ritter Courivaud and Classic are performing well and Chef Direct has got off to a great start and the increase in the interim dividend is evidence of the Board's confidence in the outlook for Booker. Subject to competition clearance Booker and Makro will be able to improve choice, prices and service for caterers, retailers and small businesses in the UK. Once integrated, Makro will prove a good addition to the Booker Group."
The Group said its turnover in the second half to date, excluding Makro, is ahead of the same period last year. Working capital levels and costs are in line with plan. Overall, Booker Group plc continues to trade in line with management expectations.
The Group's Board has declared an interim dividend of 0.38 pence per share to be paid on 30 November 2012 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 2 November 2012. The ex-dividend date will be 31 October 2012.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.