Denmark-based retailer Dansk Supermarked, which is set to switch owners, has reported higher operating profit and sales for 2013.
The grocer posted EBIT of DKK2.4bn (US$447.4m), up from DKK1.7bn last year. Turnover was up 2.3% at DKK56.86bn.
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The company said: “The improved performance was made on the basis of increased focus on customers through a better shopping experience and competitive prices.”
Dansk Supermarked runs stores under four banners in Denmark – Netto, Fotex, Bilka and Salling. It also has Netto outlets in Germany, Poland and Sweden.
The company said it grew market share in Denmark, Sweden and Poland in 2013 and “maintained” its share in Germany.
“Our goal is to develop a Danish-based retail business of international class,” CEO Per Bank said. “2013 shows that we are well on our way to achieving this. We ‘re not there yet but we will continue our development for the benefit of our customers, employees and the community around us.”
In January, shipping-to-oil group A.P. Møller-Maersk is to sell most of its shares in Dansk Supermarked.
Maersk agreed a deal to sell back a 49% stake in Dansk to the Salling Companies, its partner in the retail business and a group linked to the grocer’s founder.
The conglomerate will keep a 19% stake in Dansk on which Salling has a call option it can activate in five years.
