Metro Cash & Carry Co Ltd reported its sales revenue in China reached 9.37 billion yuan (US$1.21 billion) last year, an increase of 24.1 percent from 2005, the company said yesterday.

The sales division of the Germany-based Metro Group said it will continue to expand in China this year. It mainly serves hotels, restaurants and companies.

Part of the booming sales was achieved through its broadened distribution network. Metro opened six stores in China last year, bringing its nationwide total to 33. The strong performance in China helped Metro post a record high in sales and profit globally last year after the company focused on Eastern Europe and Asia. Its global sales rose 6.5 percent to 29.9 billion euros (US$39.9 billion), while earnings before interest and tax climbed 9.7 percent to 1.1 billion euros.