MUSIC and books group HMV said business since late April had been satisfactory, but said like-for-like sales were flat during the summer.

The company, which floated on the stock market last year, said the record summer temperatures had an "inevitable impact" on sales but said it was still confident of hitting its targets.

Like-for-like sales across the group - which includes Waterstone's and the HMV music chain - came in at 0.3 per cent in the 21 weeks to September 20, but the growth rate fell to zero in the 13 weeks since its last trading update.

Nevertheless, the group managed to keep up momentum at the top line by opening stores.