Booker news

In its 2013/14 Q1 trading statement, for the 12 weeks to 21 June, leading UK wholesaler Booker has reported total sales up 13.6%, though driven by the inclusion in group figures of the acquired Makro business for the first time.  In terms of category impacts the acquisition of Makro has boosted non-tobacco sales above all, with the combined business up 21% in these areas.   However, underlying sal...

Leading UK wholesaler Booker has announced its latest round of value activity to support its customers in both retail and catering channels in the key summer trading season. New 5-4-3-2-1 deal theme for retailers Following feedback from customers Booker will launch a new, themed programme of wholesale promotions for retailers on 19 June, with each deal offering a specified round pound v...

Leading UK wholesaler Booker has reported results for 2012/13, confirming sales up 3.5% to £3,992m, with operating profit up 12% to £99m.  Gross and operating margins both improved, rising to 4.0% and 2.4% respectively. These figures do not include any contribution from Makro, which, following competition clearance was finally consolidated within the wider Booker group as of 19th April. 2012/13 a...

Over 300 delegates attended the Symbol Conference this year to hear briefings from Nisa, SPAR UK, Premier and Costcutter. We've summarised some of the key take outs from the day here. On the look out for value IGD's latest ShopperVista research demonstrates the challenges facing British customers, highlighting 76% of those shoppers interviewed are still concerned about the cost of livin...

.style1 { border-width: 0; } Speaking at IGD's Symbol Summit, Booker announced it is to launch a new discount focused convenience store package, bringing a unique value focus to the symbol sector. 75% of products on permanent promotion Booker will launch this new symbol group alongside its Premier brand, allowing the independent operator to compete against the rise in discounters. The...

Following its provisional announcement last month, the Competition Commission has now published its final report into the acquisition of Makro by Booker, confirming that the deal has been cleared of all competition concerns. Final report finds no 'substantial lessening of competition' In its announcement the Competition Commission concluded: "the merged company would continue to face suffic...

Leading UK wholesaler Booker has announced like-for-like sales up 2.2% in the final quarter (12 weeks to 29 March) of its 2012/13 financial period, driving total sales for the full year up 3.5% overall (3.3% L4L) to reach £4.0bn, excluding the Makro business acquired last year. Non-tobacco and catering keys to growth Though the sales trend has slowed from Q3, the drag has come from tobacco ...

The Competition Commission has announced its summary of provisional findings from its investigation into the acquisition of Makro by leading UK wholesaler, Booker.  These indicate that it has found no significant case against the deal on competition grounds, and therefore it is likely to recommend that Booker may proceed with integration without the need for disposals or other remedies. No lesseni...

Leading UK wholesaler Booker has announced performance figures for the third quarter of its 2012/13 financial year, with total sales up 3.1%.  Sales of non-tobacco products provided the strongest element of growth up 4.2%, while tobacco sales (still accounting for around a third of the total) increased by 1.3%. Growth primarily like-for-like Much of Booker's total growth is being generate...

Leading UK wholesaler Booker has re-emphasised its value offer for both its retailing and catering customers at the outset of 2013, with targeted and sustained activity to support the business needs of both groups. 40% POR offers for retailers To help boost the margins of independent retailers, Booker has launched a wide-ranging promotional offer on over 400 key lines for the small store of...