But the electricals giant warns that the UK market is still struggling
Electricals group Kesa, which owns Comet, reported an 8 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for the year to January 31, on the back of a 5 per cent rise in turnover. However, it warned that the UK electricals market would continue to struggle throughout this year.

The retailer reported a pre-tax group profit of£193.7 million on turnover of£3.95 billion. Retail profit at the group, which includes the French Darty and BUT chains, was up by 2 per cent to£206.7 million.

However, chief executive Jean-Noel Labroue said that, despite performing ahead of the market - with sales up 3.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis against the background of a slowing electricals sector - trading had been 'soft' at Comet, with the outlook still 'challenging' for the year ahead.

'We anticipate that the UK market will continue to be difficult. In France, although recent market trends have been positive, consumer confidence remains subdued,' he said in a statement.

Comet turned in an annual profit of£52 million, up 9.7 per cent from£47.4 million last year. Turnover was up 6.5 per cent to£1.53 billion, compared with£1.44 billion last time.

Kesa said sales growth across the business was a result of the increased demand for digital technologies triggered by price reductions.

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