Feb 8, 2006 9:54 AM, from staff and wire reports

Spartan Stores Inc reported financial results for its 16-week fiscal 2006 third quarter ended Dec 31, 2005.

The Grand Rapids MI-based grocery distributor's consolidated net sales for the quarter increased 2.8% to $642.3 million from $624.5 million in the third quarter a year earlier. The sales increase was due primarily to higher sales in the company's distribution segment as a result of strong holiday sales and new business.

Third-quarter earnings from continuing operations were $4.8 million, compared with $5.8 million in the same period a year ago. The distribution segment's third quarter net sales rose 8.2% to $375.0 million from $346.5 million in the prior-year third quarter.