Note

26 weeks ended
31 January 2000
£m

26 weeks ended
31 January 1999
£m

52 weeks ended
31 July 1999
£m

Continuing operations

640.7

606.7

1323.9

Aquisitions

8.0

Turnover

1

648.7

606.7

1323.9

Continuing operations

112.3

102.7

247.5

Aquisitions

0.8

Operating profit before goodwill amortisation

113.1

102.7

247.5

Goodwill amortisation - continuing operations

(2.4)

(0.5)

(3.0)

aquisitions

(0.2)

Operating profit after goodwill amortisation

110.5

102.2

244.5

Net interest payable

(2.9)

(3.1)

(7.0)

Profit before taxation 107.6 99.1 237.5
Taxation (33.0) (30.7) (74.0)
Profit after taxation

74.6

68.4

163.5

Minority interests

(0.2) (0.1) (0.3)

Profit for the period

74.4

68.3

163.2

Dividends

2 (25.5) (23.1) (67.9)
Retained profit

48.9

45.2

95.3

Earnings per share

3

Basic - before goodwill amortisation 24.5p 22.2p 53.5p
          - after goodwill amortisation 23.7p 22.0p 52.5p
Fully-diluted - after goodwill amortisation 23.5p 21.9p 52.0p
Dividends per share 8.10p 7.40p 21.65p

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies set out in the company’s accounts for 52 weeks to 31 July 1999. Figures reproduced relating to that period are abridged; full accounts on which the auditors made an unqualified report have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.