Smoking ban slows Booker sales

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    Date: Wednesday 09 Jul 2008

    LONDON (ShareCast) - The UK smoking ban is cramping growth at Booker, though the wholesaler is trading in line with expectations.

    Total sales in the 14 weeks to 4 July were up 1.9% on the corresponding period of 2007. The figures include a contribution from Blueheath Holdings, the company it acquired in June 2007.

    Non-tobacco sales rose 4.7%, and grew 3.3% on a like-for-like basis. Tobacco sales, however, eased 2.2%, or 43% on a like-for-like basis, as the ban on smoking in public places choked demand.

    The company said sales, profits and net debt remain in line with management expectations.

    “This was a good performance and Booker continues to make progress in a challenging market,” claimed chief executive Charles Wilson.

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