Booker plans more overseas branches

BOOKER, the UK's biggest cash and carry chain, yesterday posted forecast-beating annual profits and eyed further overseas expansion.

The firm notched up a 21 per cent rise in pre-tax profits in the year to 26 March taking the haul to 57.2 million.

The food wholesaler has 173 branches in the UK, but also reported strong performance from its first outlet in India, which opened in Mumbai last September.

Booker plans to open a second Mumbai branch this year as well as a pilot franchise in another Indian city.