TIDMBOK

RNS Number : 4411S

Booker Group PLC

08 July 2015

For Immediate Release

8 July 2015

Booker Group plc ('Booker Group')

Annual General Meeting and Quarter One Trading Update

For the 12 weeks to 19 June 2015

Booker Group, the UK's leading food wholesaler, is holding its Annual General Meeting at 11am today. At the meeting, Chief Executive Charles Wilson will read out the following Trading Update:

"Overall Booker Group had a solid quarter. Total Group sales were up 0.2% and non tobacco like-for-likes (including Makro) were up 1.0%.

 
                                             Total   Tobacco   Non Tobacco 
                                               %        %           % 
--------------  --------------------------  ------  --------  ------------ 
 Booker Group    Total                        0.2     (0.9)        0.7 
--------------  --------------------------  ------  --------  ------------ 
                 Like-for-like (including 
 Booker           Makro)                      0.4     (0.9)        1.0 
--------------  --------------------------  ------  --------  ------------

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 eleven 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.

Our balance sheet remains strong with a net cash position. As previously announced, we are today seeking shareholder approval to implement a capital return to shareholders of 3.50 pence per ordinary share at a cost of approximately GBP62m.

Booker Group remains on course to meet expectations for the year ending 25 March 2016.

As previously announced, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently considering the Londis and Budgens acquisition and we will update shareholders when the CMA stage 1 review is complete."

Charles Wilson, Chief Executive, said:

"Booker Group continues to make good progress. Our plans to Focus, Drive and Broaden Booker Group are on track. We continue to enhance choice, price and service for our retail, catering and small business customers."

Note:

Sales are stated net of value added tax

ENDS

For further information contact:

Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc)

020 7353 4200

Jonathan Sibun & Will Smith

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

MSCEAXXXEEFSEFF

Booker Group (LSE:BOK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Booker Group Charts.
Booker Group (LSE:BOK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Booker Group Charts.