Britain's Got Talent boosts Dominos pizza profit

Record viewing figures for Britain's Got Talent have helped Domino's Pizza boost its pre-tax profit by 27.8% to £29.9m.

The pizza delivery firm, which sponsors the ITV show, also saw revenue for the year to 27 December 2009 increase 14% to £155m.

And like for like sales in the company's 501 "mature" stores (those which opened before 30 December 2007) rose 8.4%. Like-for-like sales in the first six weeks of 2010 were also up 11% thanks to people staying at home in the freezing weather.

Meanwhile online sales increased by 40.4% to £78.5m, a slightly slower rate of growth than the 73.7% experienced in 2008.

Domino's, which is entering its 25th year of operation in the UK, has a total of 608 stores in the UK and Ireland, 55 of which it opened in 2009. 

The company indicated that its new commissary in West Ashland, Milton Keynes, which provides food supplies to Domino's outlets across the UK was nearing completion and was set to open before the end of 2010.

Commenting on the results, chief executive Chris Moore said: “Our sponsorship of Britain’s Got Talent took on a whole new dimension with the Susan Boyle phenomenon. With viewing figures for the show exceeding everyone’s expectations, the three-year sponsorship deal proved to be a well-time decision.”

But he added: “While we are delighted with this early performance, we face some very tough comparatives particularly in the second half, and an unpredictable economic environment.”

The company also announced the departure of sales and marketing director Robin Auld. He will be replaced by Simon Wallis of pizza delivery firm Papa John’s.

Domino’s Pizza continues to defy the recession >> 

Leading pub and restaurant groups boost December sales >> 

Recession fuels 8% growth in UK fast-food industry >>

By Neil Gerrard

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