Press Release on fourth quarter and fiscal year 2005 sales
"ALFA-BETA" VASSILOPOULOS (Athens Stock Exchange: BASIK) announced today that during Q4 2005, Consolidated Sales increased by 4.6% compared to prior year's corresponding period and amounted to 254.2 million EUR from 243.0 million EUR. The full year Consolidated Sales amounted to 908.0 million EUR from 873.1 million EUR in 2004, an increase by 4.0%.
During 2005 the Company focused on strengthening its competitive position by lowering the prices in 2,000 additional basic products and it put emphasis on its differentiation through quality, service and implementation of strict rules of food safety and hygiene.
Moreover, in 2005, "ALFA-BETA" continued its development activity with the opening of three new supermarkets in Perissos, in Halandri and in Koridallos. At the end of the year the retail network of "ALFA-BETA" comprised 101 stores while the franchising network expanded to 24 sales points in Attica and provinces. Together with the 10 Cash-and-Carry sales points, the group sales network counted 135 stores on total, at the end of 2005.
For 2006, "ALFA-BETA" VASSILOPOULOS plans an acceleration of its opening program. It will add 19 new stores to its network, including those of the franchising network, extending it to 154 stores.
The first new store for 2006 was inaugurated on January 12 in Patissia. It is a large format supermarket covering a 1,800 sq.m. sales' area. It has a parking area of 95 spaces, 11 scanning checkouts and employs 103 persons.