Newspaper and book distributor Smiths News said sales in the 18 weeks to 7 January were up 1.9 per cent on last year.
In its interim management statement, it said revenues were boosted by contributions from the newly acquired Dawson Books, Dawson Media Direct and Dawson Marketing Services divisions.
Smiths News’ revenues declined 3.2 per cent on a like for like basis, an improvement on recent run rates and compares with a decline of 3.5 per cent for the second half 2010/11. Newspaper performance has been stronger in the period as a result of cover price increases, with magazine performance broadly in line.
Bertrams’ revenues declined 0.6 per cent on a like for like basis, also an improvement on the most recent run rate decline of 1.4 per cent for the second half 2010/11. It said a good start to the trading period was softened by more difficult Christmas trading.