Carphone plans more stores in Europe

Carphone Warehouse chief executive Charles Dunstone is looking to make more inroads into continental Europe.

'Our French and Spanish businesses both had very good years and represent the most significant opportunities for retail expansion outside the UK,' said Dunstone.

The mobile phone retailer has about 170 stores apiece in France and Spain, compared with more than 500 in the UK. About half of the 200 stores planned for 2004/2005 will be on the continent.

In the year to June 3, sales rose by more than 60 per cent to£1.67 billion.

Pre-tax profit jumped by a third to£76.3 million. Like-for-like sales moved ahead 21 per cent across the business.

Deutsche Bank analyst Geoff Ruddell said investors should view the results as 'confirmation' of an excellent year.