French retailer Casino reported EUR26.75 billion (USD37.19 billion) net sales for 2009, a 1.2% decrease on the EUR27.08 billion (USD39.62 billion) it reported for 2008. It posted 1.21 billion trading profit, a 4.5% decrease on the previous year.

The retailer revealed a 3.2% decrease in EBITDA to EUR18.5 billion (USD25.72 billion). It said sales were stable on an organic basis excluding petrol, reflecting the resilience of convenience formats in France and sustained growth in international markets.

In France, sales declined by 3.8% on an organic basis, or 2.7% excluding petrol. Cdiscount reported double digit sales growth. Sales in its convenience formats were down 1.7% on an organic basis, but stable in its Casino supermarkets and Monoprix.

Internationally, the retailer reported 6.7% sales growth, led by sustained 4.9% organic sales growth and Ponto Frio’s consolidation by Grupo Pao de Açucar.
It will pursue its EUR1 billion (USD1.39 billion) asset disposal programme and plans to increase market share in France by improving price competitiveness and by speeding up expansion in convenience and discount stores.

“In a difficult economic environment, Casino recorded solid results in 2009 while significantly improving its financial flexibility,” said Jean-Charles Naouri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Casino.

“Far-reaching action has been taken by our teams over several years to establish the Group in the most promising retail formats and geographic markets, and this action is continuing to pay off. Our leadership positions, solid fundamentals and expansion programmes position the Group for growth and market share gains in 2010 and beyond.”