Garden centre group Dobbies issued a profit warning just days after Tesco triumphed in its battle with Sir Tom Hunter over ownership of the retailer.
Dobbies reported that the wet summer months meant expected sales targets for the year to October 31 were unlikely to be met.
Like-for-like sales edged up 0.5 per cent in the year to date. Although pre-tax profits should be higher than last year, they will not meet market expectations of£6.2 million.
The miserable summer weather drove people from their gardens and sales of equipment, plants and furniture all suffered.
Tesco’s£156 million takeover offer was accepted by a majority of Dobbies’ shareholders, but billionaire Hunter, who opposed the deal, will keep a 29 per cent stake.
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