Fullers reports trading boost after record Christmas

Pub group Fullers has reported a 7.7% increase in sales, thanks to a record Christmas trading period.

It said that its managed pubs and hotels saw sales rise in the 43 weeks to 25 January 2014, while the tenanted inns division grew 2% in the period. Beer and cider volumes rose 1%.
Net debt rose to £137.7m, having taken into account the acquisitions of the freehold purchase of The Distillers, Hammersmith, and the Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden.

Chief executive Simon Emeny said: "We have had a good year so far, including a record Christmas, and it's great to see so many customers enjoying our pubs.

"As a result of this good performance we have decided to bring some additional projects forward into this financial year. Obviously there are some costs associated with this move, but we believe it makes better business sense to further improve our pubs at the earliest opportunity."

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