METRO-RICHELIEU SALES, PROFIT CLIMB FOR PERIOD, FISCAL YEAR

MONTREAL -- Metro-Richelieu here said sales and earnings increased for the year and fourth quarter ended Sept. 27.

le sales climbed 5.1% to $2.4 billion and sales in the company's food segment grew 6.4%.

For the 12-week quarter, net income increased 10.6% to $11 million, while sales rose 4.2% to $562.2 million and sales in Metro's food segment went up 4.9%.

The company said capital expenditures for the year totaled $55.8 million, including $31.3 million invested in improving its retail network. Independent customers invested an additional $30.2 million, for a total retail investment of $61.5 million that included 32 major renovations, 41 expansions and the opening of four new outlets that extended retail floor space by 3.5%.

Metro-Richelieu said the company and its retailers plan to invest approximately $56.5 million next year in renovations, remodelings and new-store openings.

In another development, Metro-Richelieu said it has begun offering transportation services from its warehouse here in compliance with a court order to reinstate the service, which had been eliminated in 1995.

The company said it has asked retailers to use Metro's re-established service and has secured agreements to do so from operators that account for more than 67% of the facility's total delivery volume.

4TH-QUARTER RESULTS

Qtr Ended 9/27/97 9/28/96

Sales $562.2 million $539.3 million

Change 4.2%

Net Income $11.0 million $10.0 million

Change 10.6%

Inc/Share 21 cents 16 cents

52 Weeks 1997 1996

Sales $2.4 billion $2.3 billion

Change 5.1%

Net Income $46.7 million $43.1 million

Change 8.5%

Inc/Share 89 cents 68 cents

Exchange rate of $1 U.S. equals $1.42 Canadian.