Profits at McColl's fell last year after the convenience store chain took a hit from its recent acquisition of 298 Co-op stores. The group said pre-tax profits after exceptional items fell 16.1% to £17.7 million after being stung by a £3.1 million charge linked to the deal. Nevertheless, sales rose 1.9% to £950.4 million, its sixth consecutive year of revenue growth, and the group said the integration of the stores into its network is "on track".