KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — Aeon Co (M) Bhd posted a higher pre-tax profit of RM70.26 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015 from RM66.75 million in the corresponding quarter a year ago.     

Its revenue increased 17.1 per cent to RM1.1 billion from RM945.51 million previously.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, the company said the opening of new general merchandise stores and shopping centres in 2014 contributed to the revenue growth and higher pre-tax profit.

Aeon said consumer spending prior to the Goods and Services Tax implementation towards end of the quarter under review also helped generate higher revenue in the retail business segment.

The group’s property management services segment also recorded growth as a result of better performance from its new shopping centres, it said. — Bernama