Metro sales up

Provisional figures suggest that the Metro group saw consolidated sales increase by 5.3 per cent to € 56.4 bn in the 2004 fiscal year (1 January to 31 December). Consolidated sales increased by 5.5 per cent after adjustment for the effects of currency fluctuation. The group’s business abroad increased sales by 9.6 per cent, or 9.2 per cent currency-adjusted. The international share of sales rose still further, from 47.2 to 49.0 per cent. “Overall, consolidated sales at € 56.4 bn remained within the framework of our expectations,” said Dr Hans-Joachim Körber, chairman of Metro AG’s board. As he explained, the Praktiker DIY stores in Germany also showed a positive same-store sales trend in the final quarter of what has been a “most pleasing fiscal year”.