Makro parent reports 'solid quarter'

The chief executive of food wholesaler Booker Group, which owns cash-and-carry business Makro, has hailed a "solid quarter" following a rise in revenue.

A trading statement for the 12 weeks to 19 June 2015 revealed total sales increased by 0.2 per cent, while non-tobacco like-for-like sales were up by 1 per cent.

Chief executive Charles Wilson said: "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 11 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."

Booker Group is headquartered in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, and bought Salford-based Makro in a £140m deal in 2012.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is also currently considering Booker Group's proposed acquisition of the Londis and Budgens brands.

In May, the company announced it had signed an agreement with Musgrave Group to buy the entire shared capital of Musgrave Retail Partners GB, which comprises the Londis and Budgens businesses in Great Britain.

Source : Insider Media
www.insidermedia.com/insider/national/143029-/