Action sees profit slip as search for buyer continues

Action Computer Supplies may be in the process of securing of a buyer, but its latest set of figures is unlikely to prove helpful in this search. The reseller warned that it had experienced a significant downturn in January and February, according to a report in today's Financial Times. This downturn led to a fall in profit by some 12 per cent for the six months ending 26 February. Pre-tax profit for the period stood at £2.72 million, compared to £3.1 million for the same time last year. In spite of troubled figures, Action still claimed it was close to securing a deal with a buyer. Action chairman Henry Lewis, said: "Nobody expected the January and February downturn. We hope this is a blip instead of a downward trend. "We expect to be consolidated at some point in time." Turnover for the six months was up 30 per cent to £140.9 million. With Lewis pointing to the increasing importance of the company’s online sales, which he said had grown by 44 per cent to £12.2 million. ®