Drugstore operator dm reported gross group sales rose by 8.8% to €5.65bn (£4.73bn) in its 2009 fiscal year. In Germany sales reached €4bn (£3.35bn), growing by 8.7%. Chairman and chief executive Erich Harsch said that dm was aiming for market leadership and that it was going to close the gap with ailing market leader Schlecker. The company has earmarked about €170m (£142m) for investment in 2011. Dm currently runs a total of 2,403 stores, including 1,185 in its German home market.