Up-for-sale grocer Somerfield made pre-tax profits of ÂŁ26.4 million for the year to April 28 2007, after a loss of ÂŁ118.1 million the previous year.

The profit includes gains ofÂŁ134.1 million from disposals.

Retail Week reported on February 15 that the Co-operative Group, Asda and Sainsbury’s all made provisional first-round bids for Somerfield earlier this month. The Co-operative Group is thought to want most of Somerfield’s 900 stores, Asda is after about two-thirds and Sainsbury’s is eyeing about 350.

The retailer's EBITDA rose to£217.7 million from£32.3 million the previous year, according to accounts for Violet Equityco Limited, Somerfield’s parent company.

Last month, Somerfield said its like-for-likes jumped 6.7 per cent for the three weeks to January 5.

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