Profits set to rise at Debenhams

Department store group Debenhams said today it expected to report improved market share and profits following the Christmas and New Year period.

The forecast came as the group – acquired by a consortium of private equity companies for £1.7bn (€2.4bn) in December 2003 – provided figures for the 13 weeks to November 27 showing an 8% rise in turnover to £518.5m (€745.1m).