KESKO CORPORATION STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 15.05.2008 AT 11.00
The Kesko Group's sales from continuing operations in April 2008 totalled €901.2 million (excluding VAT) and showed an increase of 16.1% over the corresponding period of the previous year. In January-April, the sales from continuing operations were €3,207.5 million (excluding VAT), up 9.2%. The sales from foreign operations in April were €203.7 million, an increase of 25.1%. Foreign operations accounted for 23% of the Group's sales.
In April, Kesko Food's sales were €345.7 million, representing a growth of 9.1%.
Rautakesko's sales grew by 19.8% to €256.4 million in April. Sales in Finland were up by 6.8%. Abroad, the combined sales increase was 29.0%. In the Baltic countries, sales increased by 10.4% and Stroymaster's sales in Russia by 40.3%.
VV-Auto's sales were €95.7 million in April, which was 33.4% more than in the previous year. In Finland, first registrations of passenger cars increased by 26.1% in April. The market share of passenger cars represented by VV-Auto was 18.1% (14.9%).
Anttila's April sales were €38.0 milllion, an increase of 15.2%. The sales of department stores increased by 17.8%, the sales of Kodin Ykkönens by 13.6%, and the sales of NetAnttila in Finland by 18.4%.
Kesko Agro's sales in April were €96.7 million, up 28.7%. Sales in Finland increased by 33.7% due to the grain, animal feed and chemicals trade. Sales in the Baltic countries grew by 19.4%, owing to the grain and agricultural machinery trade.
The whole stock exchange release is published at www.kesko.fi. You can download the release in pdf format from the link below.
