Booker retailers will benefit from Tesco deal – Charles Wilson

Charles Wilson (pictured), chief executive of Booker Group, remains adamant that, should the merger deal with Tesco go ahead, there would be benefits for his company’s retail chains even where they operate in close proximity to a Tesco outlet.

Speaking at the announcement of the group’s results for the year to 24 March, when pre-tax profit rose by 15% to £174 million on sales 6.7% higher at £5.3 billion, he maintained: “They will be even better when serviced by the larger group and will do an even better job.”

Booker’s retail fascias are headed by Londis (which added 650 retailers last year), Premier (350 more, bringing the total to over 3,300), Budgens (more than 80 added) and Family Shopper.

Wilson also said that the Tesco deal would have no bearing on the longstanding distribution arrangement with Marks & Spencer. “It would be up to them to decide,” he commented.

He also alluded to the growth in delivered business, with this aspect of trading now accounting for £2.3 billion in sales compared with £600m in 2008.

The remaining £3 billion came from collections made at what are now termed ‘business centres’ (instead of cash & carries) and stores.

The company’s major accounts, serviced by Booker and Makro outlets, include Enterprise Inns and Rick Stein, while among its Chef Direct customers (handled by the Didcot depot) are Carluccio’s, Prezzo, Aramark, Wagamama and Byron Burgers.

Wilson said he expected the Tesco deal would be cleared by the start of 2018.

Tel: Booker Group (01933) 371000