Makro owner celebrates record profits of £127.8m

BOOKER Group, the owner of the Salford-based Makro business, has enjoyed an 9% increase to record pre-tax profits of £127.8m.

The company which also owns Budgens and Londis stores said sales in the year ended March 25 were £5bn.

Its final dividend is 4.03 pence per share, taking the total dividend to 4.60 pence per share (2015: 3.66 pence per share).

The company said customer satisfaction was strong as it continued to improve choice, price and service for its customers, with good progress made on the catering and retail sides of the business.

Booker Direct, Ritter Courivaud and Chef Direct had a good year, and Premier and Family Shopper continued to grow. Budgens and Londis are working well since joining the group the company said, while its India operation is on track.
 
Internet sales were up 12% to £979m, excluding Budgens and Londis.

Chief executive Charles Wilson said: “Our plan to focus, drive and broaden the business remains on track.
 
“Booker Group had a good year; customer satisfaction was strong, sales and profits were the best we have ever achieved.
 
“We made good progress on the integration of Budgens and Londis.  We are very grateful for the support of our customers, suppliers and people and look forward to making progress in the year ahead.”

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