Uncertainty surrounding the future of Safeway has not had a major impact on its performance over the past three months, directors said announcing the store's fourth quarter results.

Total sales have grown by 0.8 per cent during the period with like-for-like sales dipping only 0.1 per cent against an increase of 0.1 per cent in the previous quarter.

Overall, however, the store's second half trading has been slightly affected despite support from most of the store's suppliers. Profit before tax this year is likely to around £335million before exceptional items and this is within the range of market forecasts.

'We are totally focused on business as usual for our 10 million customers,' said ceo Carlos Criado-Perez. 'Given the disruptive effect of recent events we are pleased with the profit outcome for the year.'

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