Booker’s acquisition of Makro will help the group expand the Premier symbol group in regions where it has previously been under-represented, such as London, Liverpool and Belfast, according to Booker chief executive Charles Wilson.

Following a successful trial in Sheffield, half of all Makro depots will be converted so that 35% of their floor space houses a Booker concession. The move will be achieved by reducing non-food space.

Together Booker and Makro would “become the UK’s leading wholesaler to caterers, retailers and small businesses,” Wilson added as he announced positive annual trading figures for the company.

Total sales for the 52 weeks to March 29 reached £4bn, up 3.5% on the previous year, while pre-tax profits rose 13% to £101.4m

Customer satisfaction also continued to improve while sales to retailers grew by 2%, delivered sales were up 9.5% to £1.15bn and internet sales increased by 10.9% to £704m.

The group’s trading in the first seven weeks of the current financial year was also ahead of last year, Wilson added.