Alliance Boots says it is expecting to report another year of "strong profit growth" after trading above its internal expectations for the Christmas quarter.

The firm, taken private in 2007 for £11 billion by executive chairman Stefano Pessina and private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, said revenue increased 10.2 per cent in the quarter to December 31 2009 compared to the same period in the previous year.

Revenue in the health and beauty division increased 6.1 per cent and was up 12.7 per cent in the pharmaceutical wholesale division.

"We continue to be ahead of our expectations, putting us well on track to deliver our 2009/10 operational and financial targets," said chief executive Andy Hornby.

Results for the year to March 31 2010 will be published in May.