Metro sales and profits climb

Metro reports fourth-quarter sales increased by six per cent to $5.17 billion from $4.43 billion for the same quarter last year and profits soared by 31.7 per cent to $222.2 million.

A five-week strike by union members at 27 Toronto and area stores cut profits by $27 million.

The company predicts a more challenging year ahead as it transitions to a new distribution centre near Montreal and an automated fresh produce operation near Toronto. For a time both old and new facilities will be running so costs will be higher.