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RNS Number : 1983C

Booker Group PLC

15 January 2015

For Immediate Release 15 January 2015

Booker Group plc ('Booker')

Quarter Three Trading Update

Booker Group, the UK's leading food wholesaler, is pleased to announce its trading performance for the 16 weeks to 2 January 2015. Total sales in the 16 weeks, including Makro, rose by 1.4% on the same period last year. Booker like-for-like sales (excluding Makro) were 2.5% higher with non tobacco like-for-likes up 2.6%.

 
                                               16 weeks to 
                                              2 January 2015 
                                     ------------------------------ 
                                      Total   Tobacco   Non Tobacco 
                                                             % 
                                        %        % 
--------------  -------------------  ------  --------  ------------ 
 Booker Group    Total (inc Makro)     1.4      2.2         1.0 
--------------  -------------------  ------  --------  ------------ 
 Booker          Like-for-like         2.5      2.4         2.6 
--------------  -------------------  ------  --------  ------------

Booker Wholesale, our cash and carry division, had a good quarter. Customer numbers were up and sales were on track. Overall, Booker Direct, Chef Direct and Ritter performed in line with expectations.

The Makro turnaround is on track. Non tobacco sales were down 6.5% in the 16 weeks as we continued to exit non profitable, non professional categories. We have now converted 9 Makro outlets to the new, improved format.

Sales in India continued to make progress from our six branches.

The outlook for profits and net cash for the year remains in line with expectations.

Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive, said:

"This was a good quarter, with Booker Group continuing to make progress in a challenging market. Our non tobacco like-for-likes were up 2.6%. Our plans to Focus, Drive and Broaden remain on track. We continue to improve the choice, prices and service to catering, retailing and small business customers in the UK."

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

Susanna Voyle / Will Smith

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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