Norwegian retailer Reitan Group has booked an increase in first-half profits.

In the first six months of the year, profit before tax amounted to NOK1.03bn (US$178.4m) compared to NOK979m in the prior year. Profit from operations climbed 17.3% to NOK1.29bn, while EBITDA edged up 7.9% to NOK1.76bn.

Total sales, including franchisee turnover in the period, grew 15% to NOK35.64bn.

CFO Kristin Genton said the company has “strong underlying operational growth”, adding that all business areas are “fully focused on the right things”.