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The Kesko Group's sales from continuing operations in October 2008 totalled €842.8 million (excluding VAT), compared with €844.4 million (-0.2%) in the corresponding period of the previous year. In January-October, the sales from continuing operations were €8,211.1 million (excluding VAT), up 4.8%. The sales from foreign operations in October were €182.3 million, a decrease of 9.3%. Foreign operations accounted for 22% of the Group's sales.
In October, Kesko Food's sales were €370.7 million, representing an increase of 11.6%. Sales to K-food store chains grew by 15.2%.
Rautakesko's sales decreased by 10.9% to €218.7 million in October. Sales in Finland were down 9.9%. Sales abroad decreased by 11.4%. In the Baltic countries, sales dropped by 12.1%. Stroymaster's sales in Russia increased by 33.7%.
VV-Auto's sales in October were €72.5 million, which was 7.0% less than in the previous year. In Finland, first registrations of passenger cars decreased by a total of 8.3% in October. The registrations of passenger cars represented by VV-Auto increased by 6.4% on the previous year and their market share was up from 15.5% to 17.9%.
Anttila's October sales were €46.8 million, a decrease of 4.7%. The sales of Anttila department stores increased by 0.7% and those of Kodin Ykkönen department stores decreased by 9.6%. NetAnttila's distance sales were down 13.7%.
Kesko Agro's sales in October were €80.7 million, up 7.2%. Sales in Finland increased by 5.0% due to the growth of animal feed and chemicals trade. Sales in the Baltic countries grew by 10.2% owing to the growth in the trade of grain, animal feed and chemicals.
The Kesko Group's sales, excluding VAT, in October 2008:
October 2008 1.1. - 31.10.2008 € million Change, % € million Change, % Kesko Food, Finland 369.4 11.7 3,387.1 6.5 Kesko Food, other countries 1.3 -21.5 12.4 -9.4 Kesko Food, total 370.7 11.6 3,399.5 6.5 Rautakesko, Finland 76.6 -9.9 820.1 -0.7 Rautakesko, other countries 142.1 -11.4 1,433.1 4.8 Rautakesko, total 218.7 -10.9 2,253.1 2.7 VV-Auto, Finland 70.8 -7.4 795.2 8.8 VV-Auto, other countries 1.7 12.8 14.1 -37.8 VV-Auto, total 72.5 -7.0 809.3 7.4 Anttila, Finland 45.2 -3.8 407.2 0.4 Anttila, other countries 1.6 -24.0 16.9 -5.0 Anttila, total 46.8 -4.7 424.1 0.2 Kesko Agro, Finland 46.8 5.0 459.7 10.5 Kesko Agro, other countries 33.8 10.2 269.5 10.7 Kesko Agro, total 80.7 7.2 729.2 10.6 Other operating activities, 53.5 -13.1 562.5 -1.5 Finland Other operating activities, 1.8 -65.9 50.5 -24.4 other countries Other operating activities, 55.3 -17.2 613.0 -3.9 total Common operations and eliminations -1.8 -17.2
Finland, total 660.6 2.7 6,417.1 5.0 Other countries, total 182.3 -9.3 1,794.0 4.1 Grand total 842.8 -0.2 8,211.1 4.8
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 October 2008, the number of selling days in Kesko's wholesale was 23, which was the same as in October 2007. In January-October, the total number of wholesale selling days was two more than in the previous year. The number of retail days in October 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
This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
