Autogrill says Q1 net loss widens

MILAN: The world's biggest airport retailer Autogrill said on Tuesday its net loss increased 69 percent to 31.2 million euros ($40.51 million) in the first quarter.

The Italian travel retail and restaurant group said recession in Europe weighed on motorway traffic, reducing the number of customers at the roadside restaurants which traditionally generated most of its revenue.

Sales rose 0.5 percent in the quarter, helped by growth in North America and positive results for its airport retail business in Britain and other countries outside Europe.