Celesio has recorded a 25% jump in first-quarter earnings, which were boosted by strong performances in the UK, Norway and Italy.

LloydsPharmacy owner Celesio reported a 25% increase in profits

  • EBIT on a reported basis up 24.8% to €122m (£85m)
  • Group revenue rises 7% to €5.3bn (£3.7bn)
  • Full-year outlook remains unchanged

The results came the day after Celesio announced it had agreed to acquire Sainsbury’s pharmacy business in the UK for £125m.

The global pharmacy and healthcare group said today revenues rose 7% to €5.3bn (£3.7bn) in the three months to the end of June. EBIT on a reported basis climbed 24.8%to €122m (£85m).

At its pharmacy business – which includes LloydsPharmacy in the UK – sales jumped 20.5% to €1bn (£699m) on a reported basis. A “strong” performance in the UK, Norway and Italy drove the rise, the group said.

Adjusted EBIT jumped 28.8% in the division to €67m (£46.8m).

In its wholesale business, sales rose 4.1% on a reported basis to £4.3bn (£3bn).

Looking ahead, the group said the outlook for its fiscal year remains unchanged.