Note 2 Analysis of continuing operations

			1997		1996
________________________________________					___________
	Continuing operations £m	Acquisitions £m	Total £m		Total £m
________________________________________					___________
Turnover	13,763	124	13,887		12,094
Cost of sales	12,732	114	12,846		11,140
________________________________________					___________
Gross profit	1,031	10	1,041		954
Administration expenses	231	4	235		201
Employee profit sharing	32	-	32		29
________________________________________					___________
Operating profit	768	6	774		724
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Cost of sales includes warehouse and transportation costs and all store operating costs.