Britain's Largest Clothing Retailer Martha's Annual Profit Rises

On Tuesday, Martha, the largest clothing retailer in the UK, posted an annual profit rise of 25%, the highest in 10 years.

The company redecorated the shop, increased the number of outlets, and increased sales of food and clothing.

In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, Martha's net profit rose to 822 million pounds ($1 billion 600 million) and earnings per share of 48.7 pence.

Data for the same period last year were 659 million 900 thousand net profit and 38.5 pence per share.

Martha's annual net profit is higher than the market expected value of 749 million.

At 15:35 Beijing time on Tuesday, Martha's shares rose 0.50%, after a 3.6% rise in the intraday high.