Debenhams posts €16m profit after previous acquisition-related €17m loss

DEBENHAMS Retail (Ireland) returned to profitability last year in Ireland following massive pre-tax losses in 2007 which resulted from acquisition of Roches Stores.

Pre-tax profit at the retailer in the year to August 30, 2008, was €16 million which is a positive turnaround from the €17m loss recorded in the previous year.

Turnover was down slightly to almost €209m from €213m in 2007.