Axfood's sales January 2004

Axfood's sales January 2004 Net sales* (excluding VAT) for stores in Sweden owned by the Group, increased by 9.0% for the month of January, of which same-stores increased by 4.4%. Consolidated net sales for January totalled SEK 2,679 m (2,702), a decrease by 0,9% compared with the same period a year ago. Of total sales, the Swedish operations accounted for SEK 2,274 m (2,301) and Spar Finland for SEK 405 m (401). Hemköp's sales increased by 1.2% during the month, of which same-stores increased by 4.6%. Willys grew its sales by 14.6% during the month, of which same-stores increased by 4.3%. Willys hemma grew its sales by 3.8% during the month, of which same-stores increased by 0.6%. Spar Finland's sales increased by 1.0% and in local currency an increase by 1.3%. For stores owned by the Group the increase in local currency was 2.4%, of which same stores decreased by 0.9%. Axfood AB is one of the largest listed food wholesale and retail companies in the Nordic market. The company conducts retail trading through the wholly owned store chains Hemköp, Willys and Willys hemma, and wholesale trading through Dagab and Axfood Närlivs. In addition, Axfood cooperates with a large number of independent grocers tied to Axfood through franchise or other agreements. In all the Group comprises approximately 500 stores in Sweden, of which 220 are wholly or partly owned. Consolidated annual sales are approximately SEK 33 billion, with approximately 8,300 full-time employees. Axfood has some 290 stores in Finland, of which 80 are wholly owned and the remainder are operated by independent grocers. The market share is 18% in Sweden and approximately 8% in Finland. Axfood AB is listed on the O-list of the Stockholm Stock Exchange among the Attract 40 shares. Axel Johnson AB is the principal owner, with approximately 45% of the shares. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/02/03/20040203BIT20880/wkr0006.pdf Axfood´s sales Jan 2004