International News - Casino to meet 6 per cent sales growth target

French grocer Casino celebrated accelerated sales growth both domestically and internationally in the second quarter.

The retailer increased sales in France by 4.7 per cent, with organic growth up 4.4 per cent. International sales, at constant exchange rates, climbed by 8 per cent and organic sales by 6.6 per cent.

Total sales increased by 5.5 per cent, at constant exchange rates, to EUR11 billion (£7.8 billion).

Broker Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein noted: 'We remain comfortable with Casino's ability to deliver on the 6 per cent (ex-currency) sales growth target for the year.'

Separately, Casino proposes to split the roles of chairman and chief executive officer.