''We are pleased to announce Profi's IFRS results for the year 2022, which demonstrate that our strategy based on the concept of the New Profi, partnership in store management, and digitization has helped us achieve sustainable growth across all business areas.

"Profi's sales recorded a growth of over 22% (+2.1 billion RON in absolute value), reaching 11.7 billion RON in 2022. The substantial increase in sales was driven by both an 18% LFL growth (exceeding the annual inflation rate) and the addition of over 270 new stores, including approximately 100 openings and over 170 remodelings," stated Andrei Bica, CFO of Profi.

"Furthermore, the approximately 440 stores operating under the new Profi format experienced a spectacular 28% LFL growth. The number of daily customers visiting our stores has increased by over 17%, with an average of 1.2 million/day and peak daily transactions of approximately 1.4 million. We are delighted to see that the trend of customers choosing Profi continues in 2023. Moreover, Profi's sales in the first quarter of 2023 demonstrate the continuity of our business growth, with a 25% increase compared to Q1 2022."

EBITDA increased by 5% compared to the previous year, indicating that despite the atypical business conditions in recent years, such as the negative impact of COVID, supply chain disruptions, and energy price volatility, Profi finds solutions to remain profitable in the long term.

The cash position increased to approximately 300 million RON due to internally generated cash flow. With ongoing support from banks and shareholders, the company has access to available credit lines of 400 million RON, which can be used to further expand the store network and introduce modern digital tools to enhance customer loyalty and improve their shopping experience.

Additionally, Profi is working closely with suppliers and banks to utilize available reverse factoring lines of over 250 million, which offer extremely favorable conditions to expand collaboration with suppliers. They have been our business partners for years, and together, we have achieved annual growth rates of approximately 20%.

Profi ended the previous year with 1,641 stores (approximately 440 stores under the New Profi concept), of which over 1,000 stores are managed by partners, representing an ongoing strategic approach.

Moreover, the Profi app recorded over 1.4 million accounts at the end of 2022 and currently has approximately 1.7 million accounts, representing 10% of sales and experiencing steady growth.

''The company's results would not have been possible without the customers who visit our stores every day, to whom we express our gratitude, as well as the Profi team whose efforts contribute to the constant development of the company.

Regarding the strategy for 2023, we will continue to open and remodel over 200 stores to further grow Profi's business. Most importantly, we will accelerate our digital agenda by offering new digital products to our customers based on their basic needs and by automating processes in stores and headquarters.''