Alliance Boots helped by strong German takings
CHEMIST chain Alliance Boots yesterday announced 14.1 per cent growth in revenue for the third quarter compared to last year, driven largely by its sales at German wholesaler ANZAG, which it bought in 2010.
Most of the 21.3 per cent revenue growth in its wholesale division was attributed to ANZAG, with sales up just 1.6 per cent without the expansion.
The company’s high street Boots stores also enjoyed a strong end to the year, with like-for-like revenue up 4.1 per cent in the five weeks to December 2011 as shoppers made last-minute Christmas purchases.
Top sellers in the lead up to Christmas included branded gift sets by Champneys and Soap & Glory, which Boots sold under various three for2 two offers over the festive trading period. Executive chairman Stefano Pessina said the group was on track to deliver on its operational and financial forecasts.