In the first half of the year, DIA posts sales of EUR5.663bn, up 7.1% versus H1 2012

Between January and June, DIA posted gross sales under banner of EUR5.663bn, which represents 7.1% local currency growth versus the same period last year. Brazil and Argentina, continued to post a dynamic performance, with a 29.5% increase in turnover in local currency, reaching EUR1.552bn.

In Spain, while business conditions in the first half of this year were tough, gross sales under banner reached EUR2.537bn, up 5.1% versus the first half of 2012.

“In Iberia, in a difficult consumer context, we continue to gain market share, reinforcing our competitive position and accelerating openings. Our plans with Schlecker are well on track, with significant operational synergies and promising initial results both in terms of sales and returns on investment.

Our performance in Brazil, Argentina and China is remarkable, with outstanding like-for- like sales growth. Consequently, we strongly believe DIA’s growth plan is firmly based. The faster expansion in emerging markets and the deployment of the new complementary proximity formats are being successfully executed. We remain very optimistic about our ability to continue growing the business based on these pillars”. Declared Ricardo Currás, CEO of DIA.

Adjusted net financial income reached EUR83.6m, 15.3% more than in H1 2012. In H1 2013, DIA invested a total of EUR154m (excluding Schlecker’s acquisition). As of the end of June, DIA was operating 7,070 stores.