For the year to March 1, 2008 Blacks reported that the outdoor division more than doubled operating profit, but this was offset by more difficult trade at its boardwear division.
Group operating profit before exceptional items of£9.6 million was£2.2 million, up from£1.6 million the previous year.
Blacks has also announced that finance director and deputy chief executive Keith Fleming, has resigned to take up a position at a private equity backed business. He will be replaced as group finance director Marc Lombardo, who joins from Greene King.
Blacks said the outdoor division is achieving satisfactory like-for-like sales, but trade continues to be difficult in boardwear. Total sales for the group in the 12 weeks to May 24 fell 5.2 per cent and like for like sales fell by 4.1 per cent.
Blacks chairman David Bernstein said: “The management team is focused on restoring competitive advantage in order to build on the improved operational disciplines of the current year. However, further radical change is required to deliver a return to the previous levels of performance. I am pleased with the momentum and actions of the past six months and see these as a first step to delivering the required changes within the group.”
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