Profits rise at cash-and-carry group

PROFITS at Cork-based cash-and-carry group James A Barry & Company climbed last year despite its retail arm suffering a loss.

The company did not strip out the losses of the retail arm - it has 200 stores trading under the Costcutter brand - according to its latest accounts.

Pre-tax profits for the year ended 31 January 2005 were €1.6 million, up from €1.52m the previous year.