Boots posts 10% profits fall

Retailer Boots posted a 10% fall in profits today after counting the cost of weaker consumer spending and a plan to overhaul its estate.

The group, which is to merge with Alliance UniChem next year, achieved half-year profits of £163m (€240) following a 1.3% decline in like-for-like sales at its core business of 1,400 Boots the chemist shops.