AB Foods

The group said it expected a small reduction in adjusted operating profit offset by lower net financial expenses.

The group said Primark, which accounts for about half of the group's revenue and profit, increased its total sales by 4 percent at constant currency, though like-for-like sales saw 'a modest decline.'

AB Foods, parent company of Primark, blamed a fall in shopper numbers and unseasonably warm weather for negative underlying sales in November.

Associated British Foods, owner of the Primark clothing chain, beat forecasts with a 3 percent rise in first-half profits and said currency pressures that had held back its performance were starting to ease.

LONDON, United Kingdom — Associated British Foods Plc said its Primark budget fashion chain will open its first stores in the U.S., driving growth at