Storfund Daily Advance embedded on Castorama French marketplace. 9 Jul 2026 Storfund has announced a new partnership with Castorama France that will enable businesses selling on its marketplace to access their sales revenue as soon as they sell. Castorama is part of the Kingfisher Group - we'll be watching to see if Storfund also launch with the B&Q marketplace in the UK. The partnership will see Storfund's Daily Advance embedded directly within the Castorama marketplace, making the solution available to thousands of businesses selling DIY, home and garden products on one of France's best-known retail brands. Daily Advance solves one of ecommerce's biggest challenges: the gap between making a sale and receiving payment. Marketplaces hold funds after transactions to protect customers and facilitate refunds, but this can create cash flow challenges for businesses who need to continually invest in stock, operations and growth. By using Daily Advance, Castorama marketplace businesses can receive their money as soon as goods are shipped, giving them greater control over their cash flow. The launch strengthens Storfund's position in the French marketplace ecosystem, following partnerships with Back Market and Mirakl Connect. It also marks Storfund's first launch with Kingfisher, the international home improvement group which operates more than 1,900 stores across seven countries. Founded by Christian Dubois, Castorama transformed French retail by introducing the country's first large DIY superstore. Today, the company continues this commitment to innovation through its marketplace, helping businesses reach millions of customers across France. Faster access to funds can make a huge difference for marketplace merchants - improving cash flow, unlocking growth, and helping sellers reinvest in stock and service more quickly. We're excited that through our partnership with Storfund, merchants on the Castorama marketplace will now be able to access funds faster and scale with greater confidence. - Séverine Geoffroy, Directrice Market Place, Castorama The most successful marketplaces understand that supporting businesses goes beyond connecting them with customers. Growth depends on the entire ecosystem working effectively - and cash flow is a critical part of that. Castorama has always been a brand built around making change possible, so we're delighted to partner with them as they bring embedded liquidity to their marketplace. As more leading platforms recognise the importance of cash flow, Daily Advance is becoming an essential part of the infrastructure businesses need to grow. - Joep Backx, Sales Director, Storfund

Kingfisher sees strong trade growth and eCommerce expansion in FY2025/26. Kingfisher has reported an improved financial result for FY2025/26, with adjusted pre-tax profit up 6% and trade sales growing 23%, excluding Screwfix. In the latest financial results announcement, Kingfisher's adjusted pre-tax profit (adjusted PBT) increased to £560 million in FY2025/26, up from £528 million in FY2024/25, representing a 6% increase. Group trade sales now represent 30% of revenue (FY2024/25: 27%). Trade sales grew 23% excluding Screwfix (12% including Screwfix), driven by the company's expanding trade proposition across banners. "We are making rapid progress against our strategic priorities across our banners. Screwfix already derives about 75% of sales from trade customers and around 60% from eCommerce. Elsewhere, trade sales increased by 23% as we expanded ranges, enhanced services and deepened relationships with trade professionals, while eCommerce grew by 20%, powered by the successful scale-up of our marketplaces. E-commerce now represents one fifth of total Group sales," said Thierry Garnier, Chief Executive Officer of Kingfisher. Regarding the company's trade business, dedicated trade zones are now live across all banners and are present in 43% of stores, excluding Screwfix. For example, Castorama France successfully rolled out its CastoPro trade proposition across its estate in H1 and has since installed 50 dedicated trade zones in stores. Brico Dépôt France opened its first two Pro corners. TradePoint also announced its first standalone store opening in 2026 and expanded its direct-to-site offer to include products beyond the in-store range. Moreover, the group's digital sales channels continued to grow. Group eCommerce sales penetration reached 21%, up from 19% in FY2024/25, while eCommerce sales grew 20% excluding Screwfix (up 11% including Screwfix). Marketplaces are now live across all regions, with Group marketplace GMV up 58% to £518 million. In FY2025/26, the group's net store openings reached 41, contributing 0.7% to total Group sales. B&Q opened 10 stores, including the successful conversion of eight former Homebase stores within three months of acquisition, and closed three stores. Screwfix opened 32 stores, including 13 new ultra-compact City stores, and closed five stores. Looking ahead, the group's adjusted PBT is expected to be in the range of approximately £565 million-£625 million. It is also expected that a total of 27 net openings will take place in FY2026/27, including five B&Q stores and 12 Screwfix stores.