Increase in sales of 6.8% at Fuller, Smith & Turner

Fuller, Smith & Turner, the London brewer and pub company, has reported a 6.8% increase in like-for-like sales during the 43 weeks to 24 January 2015.

Meanwhile, profits for the period in the tenanted inns division grew by 4% and total beer and cider volumes in Fuller's Beer Company also increased by 4%.

Two new sites have been acquired by the company in recent months - the Cromwell Arms in Romsey, Hampshire, and The Three Guineas at Reading Station, an area that will benefit from the arrival of Crossrail.

The company has also opened One over the Ait, Kew Bridge, and acquired the freehold of the Stable in Falmouth.

As a result of these acquisitions and investment in the existing estate, there has been a slight rise in debt to £157.8m at the end of our third quarter on 27 December 2014, up from £155.9m at the half year. Net debt to EBITDA remained at 2.6 times.

"We are confident of meeting our expectations for the full year."