In its third quarter results to the end of September, group sales increased by 10.8 per cent to €15.7 billion (£10.94 billion).
Excluding the acquisitions of Wal-Mart Germany, which was completed at the end of September, and Géant in Poland, Metro’s sales were up 7.1 per cent. In the nine months from January, group sales rose to €46 billion (£32.05 billion), up 10.8 per cent.
Metro said in the results: “Based on the assessment of the general economic situation, the industry trend and the development of the sales divisions, the company anticipates a positive course of business for the year 2007.”
Metro chief financial officer Thomas Unger forecast sales growth of more than 9 per cent for the year. He said: “The growth driver continues to be our international business.”
International sales rose 13.6 per cent to €9.2 billion (£6.41 billion) in the third quarter. Excluding the acquisition of Géant in Poland international sales climbed 11.9 per cent.
The group recorded above-average sales in Eastern Europe and Asia, where sales were up 26.8 per cent and 27 per cent respectively.
In Germany, sales were up 6.9 per cent during the third quarter, to €6.4 billion (£4.46 billion).
At the close of September, Metro operated 2,401 outlets.
The cash and carry division recorded a sales increase of 6.3 per cent to €7.8 billion (£5.43 billion) during the third quarter.
Sales at troubled department store division Galeria Kaufhof fell 1.9 per cent to €814 million (£567.2 million). However, the retailer said the year’s fourth quarter is its typically best performing period.
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