Mothercare has outlined plans for international expansion after agreeing to buy the Early Learning Centre children's toy chain for £85m (€124.67).

Babycare retailer Mothercare today reported a modest decline in like-for-like sales at its UK stores.

A shortened trading week will see Halfords and Mothercare publish updates, while publisher Bloomsbury will look to restore confidence after its profits warning in December.

Two of the UK’s biggest names in children’s retailing could come together, it was reported today.

Babycare retailer Mothercare today needed strong growth from its international operations to offset a downturn at its UK stores over Christmas.

Babycare retailer Mothercare rounded off its three-year turnaround strategy by revealing a better-than-expected rise in annual profits today.

Babycare retailer Mothercare today said group sales were up 4.1% after its international business continued to grow.

Babycare retailer Mothercare relied on the benefits of its overseas expansion today after conceding that costs in the UK were rising faster than its profits.

Babycare retailer Mothercare said today it had traded resiliently in the UK, despite a 1.8% fall in like-for-like sales for the 15 weeks to July 8.

Babycare retailer Mothercare was reaping the rewards of a drive to modernise the chain today as it revealed profits surged 19% last year.

Babycare retailer Mothecare today said it expected annual results to meet hopes as sales picked up after a Christmas downturn.

Babycare retailer Mothercare today said its sales revival had stalled over Christmas as weak demand for toys took its toll.

Babycare retailer Mothercare today said it had recovered from a hiccup in is sales revival as it moved to wring further costs from the business.

Babycare retailer Mothercare reported a dip in its sales revival today, but said it remained confident ahead of the key Christmas season.