Praktiker, the DIY group, has reported a 6% drop in sales to €747.9m (£651.2m) in the first quarter of 2010, due to prolonged winter weather and persistent economic weakness in Eastern Europe.

Net losses were €37.5m (£32.6m), steeper than the €36.8m (£32m) loss for the same period a year ago. January and February saw declines in sales, but they increased in all sectors in March.

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