Metro Group reported a record sales growth in its 2007 full-year report, with group sales up 10 per cent to €65.9 billion (£49.62 billion).

Organic sales for Metro Group, excluding the acquisitions of Wal-Mart Germany and Geant in Poland, rose 7.1 per cent.

In Germany, sales were up 5.5 per cent to €27.9 billion (£21.01 billion). International sales climbed 13.6 per cent, with sales in Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa increasing by about 25 per cent.

In the fourth quarter, sales rose 8.3 per cent to €19.9 billion (£14.99 billion). Sales in Germany were up 1.5 per cent and international sales increased 13.8 per cent.

“The significant 2007 sales growth is a good foundation for further long-term value enhancement of Metro Group,” said Metro chief executive Dr Eckhard Cortes. “Considering the good development in 2006 – also thanks to pull-forward effects ahead of the VAT increase – we are satisfied with the 2007 Christmas trading.”

Metro opened 139 stores in the period, which runs from January 1 to December 31. Metro Cash & Carry opened 32 stores, taking its total to 615. Real opened 17 hypermarkets and closed 36, giving it 682 altogether. Media Markt and Saturn opened 84 and closed three, taking giving it 702 stores.

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