• Trading profit was up 27,9% to R717,3 million.
• Turnover increased 14,9% - from R16,621 billion to R19,105 billion.
• Non-RSA supermarkets achieved 28,0% sales growth.
• Diluted headline earnings per share from continued operations rose 26,0% to 82,8 cents.
• Dividend per share declared increased 29,6% to 35,0 cents.

Whitey Basson, chief executive, commented:

Management is satisfied with the growth achieved in the first six months of the 2007 financial year, especially as this was achieved despite 12 weeks of industrial action that affected, in particular, the operations of the Shoprite brand. The Group also managed to substantially recoup the market share lost during those turbulent times. Although our primary business remains food retailing, our offering spans an ever-increasing range that also encompasses furniture stores, pharmacies, liquor outlets, consumer convenience services and the country's most extensive booking facilities for theatre and entertainment.

20 February 2007