Comet like-for-likes down 4.8 per cent
Kesa electricals, the owner of Comet and French business Darty, has revealed a first-half plunge in profits.

Europe's third-largest electricals retailer reported that group pre-tax profit dived 38.1 per cent to£23.1 million in the 6 months to July 31.

Like-for-like sales at Comet, the retailers UK fascia, fell 4.8 per cent and total turnover was down 2.2 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Kesa chief executive Jean-Noel Labroue said: 'As we predicted, the retail environment across our core markets has continued to be difficult, particularly in the UK.' He added that sales of white goods had been particularly tough and that third-quarter trading since the end of July had remained difficult.

The group's French arm, Darty, fared slightly better, with like-for-like sales increasing 1. 6 per cent in local currency. Kesa Electricals employs more than 28,000 people and trades in nine countries.

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