Debenhams wary despite profits rise

Department store chain Debenhams posted higher profits today but it warned the Olympics and the Euro 2012 tournament may disrupt future sales.

The group, which has 164 stores in Ireland and the UK and its Magasin du Nord chain in Denmark, reported that pre-tax profits rose 1.4% to £127.1m in the six months to March 3, which was ahead of City expectations.