Leading wholesale group, Booker has reported a pre-tax profit rise of 10% in its half year results in the 24 weeks to 11 September 2014.
Pre-tax profit rose £74.1m from £67.4m the previous year and like-for-like sales excluding tobacco grew by 0.6%. Like-for-likes including tobacco fell 3.7% thought to be due to a ban on small stores advertising tobacco products. The group also said operating profit grew 10% during the period to £75m and internet sales jumped 11% to £461m.
In addition to this, in the first four weeks of its current half year, trading is ‘ahead of the same period last year following the completion of the £40m deal to acquire convenience stores Budgens and Londis.
Chief executive Charles Wilson said: 'This was a solid performance and our plan to focus, drive and broaden the business remains on track.
'Despite the challenges in the UK grocery market we continue to improve choice, prices and service for our retail and catering customers. We are delighted that Londis and Budgens have joined Booker and we look forward to growing with our customers.'