Sales at grocery group ITM hit €34bn (£30.8bn), including petrol, for the 2009 financial year.

In France, its Intermarché chain achieved sales growth of 1.5%. Globally, excluding petrol and its industrial production facilities, it increased sales 0.7% to €25bn (£22.7bn), and expanded its total sales area by 1.94 million sq ft.

ITM president Michel Pattou said: “Our objective is to become a lasting major player in retailing in France and Europe, particularly for food and household goods. To do this, our battle to lower prices is our best weapon.”