For Immediate Release  

18 September 2014

Booker Group plc ('Booker')

Quarter Two Trading Update and

Notification of Interim Results Announcement

Booker Group is the UK's leading food wholesaler.  Total sales in the 12 weeks to 12 September 2014, including Makro, rose by 0.1% on the same period last year.  Booker like-for-likes (excluding Makro) were 1.8% higher with non tobacco like-for-likes up 3.1%.  After a good start, we anticipate that Booker Group is on course to meet expectations for the year ending 27 March 2015.

Total sales in the 24 weeks to 12 September 2014, including Makro, rose by 1.9% on the same period last year.  Booker like-for-likes (excluding Makro) were 2.4% higher with non tobacco like-for-likes up 3.4%.

Booker Wholesale, our cash and carry division, had a good quarter.   Customer numbers were up and sales were in line with expectations.   Overall, our delivered wholesale businesses continued to make progress.  The Makro turnaround is on track with cash and profits in line with expectations.  Makro's non tobacco like-for-likes were down 10.8% in the 12 weeks and down 11.4% in the half as we continued to exit non profitable, non professional categories. We have converted 4 Makro outlets to the new, improved format and will complete a further 4 in the second half.  Sales in India are continuing to make progress. 

Our financial position remains strong with a net cash position of £107m. 

Charles Wilson, Booker Chief Executive, said:

"Booker Group continues to make good progress. This was a good quarter with Booker non tobacco like-for-like sales up 3.1%.  Our plans to Focus, Drive and Broaden Booker Group are on track.  We continue to improve choice, price and service to become the best supplier to caterers, retailers and small business in the UK."

Booker Group plc will announce its interim results for the 24 weeks to 12 September 2014 on Thursday 16 October 2014.  A presentation for analysts will be held at 08:30 on 16 October.  For details call Melanie Curtis at Tulchan Communications on 020 7353 4200.

Notes: 

1.  Makro was consolidated from 19 April 2013

2.  Makro's like-for-like sales percentage decrease reflects its sales from 29 March 2014 to 12 September 2014 compared to the equivalent period in the prior year

3.  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