BOOT maker Dr Martens has hailed strong Christmas trading figures as like-for-like group retail sales rose 15% in December, including a 20% rise in the UK while online sales were up 36%.

The Northamptonshire-based company confirmed private equity group Permira had completed the £300 million acquisition of parent group R Griggs, announced in October, after 50 years of family ownership.

Dr Martens chief executive David Suddens said 2014 has started well and "looks set to be strong".