Rewe reports 11% sales increase

Group posted a full-year sales to around EUR50 billion in 2008, including sales of independent retailers. Sales outside its home market, Germany, grew by 15.4%.

 After a "really good year" 2008, the current
year would be very "demanding", Rewe CEO Alain Caparros said.
Nevertheless, the company has earmarked a sum of around EUR1.6 billion for
investments this year, excluding acquisitions. The retailer will continue
looking at opportunities to make acquisitions in 2009 and has already been
approached by companies seeking to be bought, Caparros added. "If there is
a bargain under our nose, we will take a look at it." Caparros
declined to comment on profits, but said that Rewe recorded "the best
result in the company's history".