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The Kesko Group's sales from continuing operations in September 2008 totalled €830.4 million (excluding VAT) and showed an increase of 7.1% over the corresponding period of the previous year. In January-September, the sales from continuing operations were €7,368.2 million (excluding VAT), up 5.4%. The sales from foreign operations in September were €191.2 million, a decrease of 3.8%. Foreign operations accounted for 23% of the Group's sales.
In September, Kesko Food's sales were €345.3 million, representing an increase of 12.4%. Sales to K-food store chains increased by 13.5%. The number of delivery days in September was two more than in the previous year.
Rautakesko's sales decreased by 2.0% to €229.1 million in September. Sales in Finland were down 1.8%. Sales abroad decreased by 2.1%. In the Baltic countries, sales dropped by 5.0%. Stroymaster's sales in Russia increased by 36.6%.
VV-Auto's sales in September were €78.3 million, which was 33.5% more than in the previous year. In Finland, first registrations of passenger cars increased by a total of 0.5% in September. The market share of passenger cars represented by VV-Auto was 17.5% (13.1%) and their registrations were up 34.5% on the previous year.
Anttila's September sales were €40.9 million, a decrease of 11.0%.The sales of Anttila department stores dropped by 14.5% and those of Kodin Ykkönen department stores by 14.9%. NetAnttila's distance sales were up 5.7%. The development of sales was affected by the strong growth in home electronics sales seen in the previous year, coupled with the prevailing uncertainty among consumers about economic development.
Kesko Agro's sales in September were €82.1 million, up 11.4%. Sales in Finland increased by 15.8% due to the growth of animal feed and chemicals trade. Sales in the Baltic countries grew by 5.2% owing to the grain trade.
The Kesko Group's sales, excluding VAT, in September 2008:
September 2008 1.1. - 30.9.2008 € million Change, % € million Change, % Kesko Food, Finland 344.1 12.5 3,017.7 5.9 Kesko Food, other countries 1.2 -7.1 11.1 -7.8 Kesko Food, total 345.3 12.4 3,028.9 5.9 Rautakesko, Finland 76.5 -1.8 743.5 0.3 Rautakesko, other countries 152.6 -2.1 1,291.0 7.0 Rautakesko, total 229.1 -2.0 2,034.4 4.4 VV-Auto, Finland 76.7 39.3 724.4 10.7 VV-Auto, other countries 1.5 -56.7 12.4 -41.4 VV-Auto, total 78.3 33.5 736.9 9.1 Anttila, Finland 38.7 -11.6 362.1 0.9 Anttila, other countries 2.2 2.2 15.2 -2.4 Anttila, total 40.9 -11.0 377.3 0.8 Kesko Agro, Finland 50.0 15.8 412.9 11.1 Kesko Agro, other countries 32.1 5.2 235.6 10.8 Kesko Agro, total 82.1 11.4 648.5 11.0 Other operating activities, 55.4 3.6 509.0 -0.1 Finland Other operating activities, 1.7 -72.8 48.7 -20.8 other countries Other operating activities, 57.1 -4.2 557.6 -2.3 total Common operations and -2.4 -15.4 eliminations
Finland, total 639.2 10.8 5,756.5 5.2 Other countries, total 191.2 -3.8 1,611.7 5.8 Grand total 830.4 7.1 7,368.2 5.4
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 September 2008, the number of selling days in Kesko's wholesale was 22, which was two more than in September 2007. In January-September, the total number of wholesale selling days was two more than in the previous year. The number of retail days in September was one more than 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
This announcement is originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
