Tesco chief says U.S. plans on track

HERTFORDSHIRE, England Tesco's plans to open in the United States are on track said chief executive, Terry Leahy today.

Leahy's confidence in Tesco's U.S. plans follow the company's report today of an international sales increase of 24.6% for the first quarter. The company also reported solid growth in its U.K. business, with same-store sales increasing 4.7%.

This April, Tesco announced its plans for the United States with an information-based Web site dedicated to the format, dubbed "Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market." The stores are set to debut in the West Coast.