Booker Group had a “good” third quarter, according to its trading update for the 16 weeks to December 29, 2017.
Group non-tobacco sales rose by 5.9% with non-tobacco like-for-likes up 6.2%. Group tobacco sales declined by 2.6% with tobacco like-for-likes down 2.1%. As a result, total sales were up 3.4% and like-for-likes were up 3.8%.
December saw the wholesaler sign contracts to supply 370 MRH and over 500 Shell forecourts, and the CMA gave its final approval to the merger with Tesco just before Christmas. A shareholder vote to rubberstamp the deal will probably take place at the end of February.
Booker boss Charles Wilson said the merger was progressing as planned. “We are very grateful for the support we have received from customers, suppliers, shareholders and colleagues during this process,” he added.
“We are pleased with our retail performance and we had a good Christmas,” commented Steve Fox, Booker’s MD for Retail.
