Negative results, especially abroad

In particular the Finnish Kesko group's interests in eastern Europe are continuing to cause difficulties for its DIY and builders' merchant division. Foreign sales to the tune of € 73.5 mio in January remained 13.2 per cent below the result for the comparable period last year in constant currency, and -17.4 per cent in local currency terms. Sales were 39.0 per cent down in the Baltic states, and 17.1 per cent in Russia. Business at home weakened by 5.3 per cent to € 68.7 mio.