UK's food wholesaler Booker Group Plc (BOK.L) on Thursday said its total sales, excluding Makro, in the 12 weeks to September 14 rose 4.3 percent.
The company on July 4 acquired Makro, which has been struggling for the past few years and its performance in the past ten weeks has continued to be challenging.
For the 12 weeks, non-tobacco sales were 3.9 percent higher, while tobacco sales grew 5.1 percent. On a like-for-like basis, total sales increased 4.4 percent with 3.8 percent growth in non-tobacco sales and 5.4 percent increase in tobacco sales.
Total sales, excluding Makro, in the 24 weeks rose 3.3 percent as non-tobacco sales were 4.2 percent higher and tobacco sales were 2 percent higher. Like-for-like sales rose 3.1 percent with non-tobacco sales up 3.8 percent and tobacco sales up 1.8 percent.
The company added that Booker Wholesale, its cash and carry division, had a good half with higher customer numbers and sales matching expectations.
Citing a good first half, the company said its outlook for the year as a whole remains unchanged.
Booker Chief Executive Charles Wilson said, "Booker Wholesale and Booker Direct have had a good start to the year as we continue to improve choice, price and service."
Booker will announce interim results for the 24 weeks to September 14 on October 18.
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