Mothercare's International Expansion Continues

UK-based Mothercare has reported group sales up 24.3% to £328.5 million for the 28 weeks ended October 13, 2007, during which it acquired specialist toy retailer ELC and opened 45 additional international doors. Group underlying profit before taxation was down 13.2% to £10.5 million, but up 10.7% to £13.4 million after excluding £2.9 million of ELC’s first half losses. Group profit before taxation was down 52.3% to £6.1 million after non-underlying charges of £4.4m and ELC first half losses.