Ocado says expects multiple deals in medium term

LONDON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - British online grocer Ocado on Tuesday met forecasts with a 13.8 percent rise in full-year core earnings and said it expected to sign multiple overseas deals in the medium term.

Analysts see securing international deals in north America and western Europe as the key driver of Ocado's stock market valuation and the company said back in February 2015 that it hoped to secure one by the end of 2015.

The firm, whose range includes products supplied by upmarket grocer Waitrose and also has a distribution agreement with Morrisons, said it made earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of 81.5 million pounds ($117.2 million) in the year to Nov. 29.

That compared to analysts' average forecast of 81 million pounds and 71.6 million pounds made in the 2013-14 year.

"Our ability to package our unique proprietary technology, including our equipment solution, for retail partners outside the UK through our Ocado Smart Platform is proving to be of great interest to a significant number of retailers," said Chief Executive Tim Steiner.

"We expect to sign multiple deals in multiple territories in the medium term."

Ocado had previously reported full-year group sales rose 17.3 percent to 1.2 billion pounds. Retail sales increased 14.7 percent, with growth slowing to 13 percent in its fourth quarter.

Media reports have periodically linked the firm with a bid from Amazon to accelerate the U.S (Other OTC: UBGXF - news) . firm's expansion into the UK grocery market. ($1 = 0.6956 pounds) (Reporting by James Davey; editing by Kate Holton)