The British distribution group KINGFISHER (pre-tax profits of £605.8 million for the financial year 2000/2001) has announced the separation from rather than the sale of some of its activities (general stores, WOOLWORTH chain and network of chemists and drug stores SUPERDRUG). The first entity will be called NEW KINGFISHER and will group the do-it-yourself and electrical appliance stores: British B AND Q and COMET, and French BUT, CASTORAMA and DARTY. It will employ 80,000 in over 1,300 establishments in 16 countries. The second entity will include 1,600 general stores in Great Britain. They employ 50,000 and include SUPERDRUG, WOOLWORTH and ENTERTAINMENT UK, a distributor of CDs, DVD and videos.