Business appears to be booming in most parts of the country.

ABC's quarterly market report shows business sales are up 28 percent on this time last year, with average prices up three percent.

It finds 507 completed sales over a 12 month period - a new historical high.

ABS Business Managing Director Chris Small told Mike Hosking that there's a link between sales and the current state of the economy across the country.

He says in line with the economy, the South Island is up 70 percent year on year in business sales, while Wellington is down 10 percent. 

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