French grocer Casino’s first-half net profits hit €231m (£203.5m), up from €229m (£201.8m) in 2008, while operating profit fell 9.1% to €488m (£430m).

The retailer now expects to have implemented a €1bn (£881.1m) asset disposal programme by the end of next year. It also plans to strengthen its appeal by developing its own label and optimising its pricing strategy.

In France, total sales fell 4.2%, while sales in its foreign markets increased 5%.