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The Kesko Group's sales from continuing operations in August 2008 totalled €807.6 million (excluding VAT) and showed a decrease of 3.5% over the corresponding period of the previous year. In January-August, the sales from continuing operations were €6,537.9 million (excluding VAT), up 5.2%. The sales from foreign operations in August were €181.5 million, a decrease of 5.9%. Foreign operations accounted for 22.5% of the Group's sales.
In August, Kesko Food's sales were €341.0 million, representing a decrease of 1.5%. Sales to K-food store chains increased by 1.2%. The number of delivery days in August was two less than in the previous year.
Rautakesko's sales decreased by 5.2% to €230.6 million in August. Sales in Finland were down by 8.5%. Sales abroad decreased by 3.5%. In the Baltic countries, sales dropped by 7.2%. Stroymaster's sales in Russia increased by 35.6%.
VV-Auto's sales in August were €66.7 million, which was 3.3% less than in the previous year. In Finland, first registrations of passenger cars decreased by 14.2% in August. The market share of the passenger cars represented by VV-Auto was 17.5% (15.7%).
Anttila's August sales were €44.6 million, a decrease of 7.8%. In the previous year, sales were boosted by households going digital. The sales of Anttila department stores decreased by 3.2% and those of Kodin Ykkönen department stores by 11.0%. NetAnttila's distance sales were down by 16.5%.
Kesko Agro's sales in August were €68.0 million, up 2.5%. Sales in Finland increased by 12.8% due to the growth of animal feed and chemicals trade. Sales in the Baltic countries dropped by 14.3% owing to a slowdown in the construction machinery trade.
The Kesko Group's sales, excluding VAT, in August 2008:
August 2008 1.1. - 31.8.2008 € million Change, % € million Change, % Kesko Food, Finland 340.0 -1.3 2,673.7 5.1 Kesko Food, other countries 1.0 -31.4 9.9 -7.9 Kesko Food, total 341.0 -1.5 2,683.5 5.1 Rautakesko, Finland 76.9 -8.5 667.0 0.6 Rautakesko, other countries 153.7 -3.5 1,138.4 8.3 Rautakesko, total 230.6 -5.2 1,805.4 5.3 VV-Auto, Finland 65.4 -3.3 647.7 8.1 VV-Auto, other countries 1.3 -6.9 10.9 -38.3 VV-Auto, total 66.7 -3.3 658.6 6.8 Anttila, Finland 43.0 -7.3 323.4 2.7 Anttila, other countries 1.6 -18.8 13.1 -3.1 Anttila, total 44.6 -7.8 336.4 2.5 Kesko Agro, Finland 46.2 12.8 362.9 10.5 Kesko Agro, other countries 21.8 -14.3 203.5 11.8 Kesko Agro, total 68.0 2.5 566.4 10.9 Other operating activities, 54.9 -12.8 453.6 -0.5 Finland Other operating activities, 2.4 -42.1 47.0 -15.1 other countries Other operating activities, 57.3 -14.6 500.6 -2.1 total Common operations and -0.5 -13.0 eliminations
Finland, total 626.0 -2.8 5,117.4 4.6 Other countries, total 181.5 -5.9 1,420.5 7.3 Grand total 807.6 -3.5 6,537.9 5.2
Other operating activities consist of Konekesko, Intersport Finland, Indoor Group, Musta Pörssi and Kenkäkesko.
On 28 February 2008, the Kesko Group classified Kauko-Telko, and on 31 March 2008, Tähti Optikko Group as discontinuing operations, which is why the sales of those operating activities are not included in the above figures.
Starting from July 2007, Rautakesko's sales figures include the sales of OMA, the Belarusian subsidiary of Rautakesko's subsidiary Senukai.
Change, % indicates the change over the corresponding period of the previous year.
In August 2008, the number of selling days in Kesko's wholesale was 21, which was two less than in August 2007. In January-August, the total number of wholesale selling days was the same as in the previous year. The number of retail days in August was the same as the year before.
Kesko publishes advance information about the K-Group's retail sales quarterly, in connection with the interim financial reports.
Further information is available from Jukka Erlund, Vice President, Corporate Controller, tel. +358 1053 22338.
Kesko Corporation
Paavo Moilanen Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Responsibility
DISTRIBUTION Helsinki Stock Exchange Main news media
