Dobbies garden centre has issued a profit warning just five days after Tesco gained control of the 21-strong chain.

The Scottish gardening group, in which Tesco now has a 53% stake, said rain had hit sales of garden furniture, plants and hosepipes.

The retailer had been expected to make a pre-tax profit of around £6.2m, but poor sales meant it was now only expected to achieve £5.2m. Last year it made £5.5m.

However, chief executive James Barnes, said like-for-like sales for the first 10 months were up 0.5% and sales of Wellington boots were up a massive 300% on last year.

Tesco, which has spent £156m amassing its majority stake in the garden centre, wants to take the company private - but will be unable to do so unless 29% shareholder Sir Tom Hunter, who owns rival Wyevale, sells his stake.

He has rejected a £15-a-share offer.

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