News roundup--Electrocomponents, The Hut, and more

Electronics distributor Electrocomponents, best known for its RS Components business, reported that profit before tax for the year ended 31st March will beat expectations and come in at approximately £73 million. In the fourth quarter, the company saw its UK sales grow 9 percent and international business increase by 19 percent.

The Hut Group, an online retailer of entertainment products, has branched out into selling handbags via its new website Mybag.co.uk. Crain’s Manchester Business reports that the Hut believes the site will “a leading supplier of handbag and fashion accessories within the next two years”.

According to BusinessWeek, Dutch post and parcel carrier TNT said it is planning to demerge its business, either selling or spinning off its mail arm. The article goes on to say that sales at the TNT Post division “have been stagnant or declining for years, even as its express business has grown”.

Collectibles marketer Compton & Woodhouse has branched out into television shopping through the Ideal Home network.