WILLIAM Morrison Supermarkets proved that high-profile takeover wranglings had not distracted it from its core business.

The Northern chain, which is one of four store groups competing for Safeway, said that like-for-like sales rose nine per cent in the six months to August 10.

Led by Sir Ken Morrison, the group is waiting for news from the Government, which is examining a Competition Commission report into the takeover proposals.

Morrison's began the bidding war in January with a £2.9bn offer for Safeway, and were followed by Tesco, Asda owner Wal-Mart and Sainsbury's.

Sir Ken said that although the bidding had created a great deal of extra work, it had not deflected Morrison's from its plans to sustain and develop the business.

During the period, more people shopped in Morrison's stores and, on average, they spent more. Sales in the period reached £2.48bn compared with £2.16bn last year.

The company's profits performance was also strong, with the pre-tax figure rising 10.2 per cent to £126.2m from £114.5m last year.