In Australia and New Zealand the chain increased its sales by 8.3 per cent to AUD 5.957 bn. Store-on-store sales grew by 6.5 per cent, with business improving somewhat in the second quarter.
In Great Britain and Ireland, Bunnings' sales in the Homebase stores acquired there amounted to GBP 612 mio. (AUD 1.038 bn), thus incurring a loss before interest and tax of GBP 28 mio (AUD 48 mio). The first store to be converted to the Bunnings concept has now opened, with three more to follow shortly.