Increased UK profits point to Borders revival

Bookseller Borders hopes to turn the net loss at its international division to break even this year, after suffering increased losses last year.

Improved profitability in the UK, where 59 of the 72 international stores are based, has driven improvement.

Last year, international sales were US$315 million (£200 million), but the division made a net loss of US$12.3 million (£7.8 million). A spokeswoman said that break-even for the 2003 financial year was 'obviously a goal to shoot for'.

She said: 'We're committed to working towards reducing this by 50 per cent to 75 per cent this fiscal year.'