Tesco target booming

A BooST in catering and retail supply saw wholesaler Booker toast rising sales.

The firm, which has agreed to a £3.7bn takeover by Tesco, said second-quarter sales rose 1.3pc in the 12 weeks to September 8.

Booker supplies goods to a range of shops and restaurants including convenience chain Budgens and Londis.

It is seeking to be taken over by Tesco, and the deal is being reviewed by the Competition and Markets Authority, which has said it was concerned customers in 350 areas could be worse off where there is an overlap of Tesco shops and Booker-supplied stores. The CMA has also expressed concern that shoppers in affected areas could face higher prices.