Advertising agency M&C Saatchi revealed a 13 per cent increase in half year pre-tax profit, driven by a string of new contract wins.
M&C Saatchi, whose clients include O2, Intercontinental Hotels, Twitter and Virgin Holidays, said profit rose to £8.7m for the six months to end of June 2012 while revenue increased 15 per cent to £82.8m.
Operating profit rose to £8.6m from £7.6m and earnings per share rose to 7.95p from 7.15p.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Progress was made across all regions with UK revenues up 16%, after a strong performance from CRM and mobile services. Europe like-for-like revenues rose by a quarter despite macro-economic challenges.
In Asia and Australasia lfl revenues climbed 12% while in the Middle East and Africa they soared 146% to £2.8m as it positions itself for a fast growing African market. Revenues in the Americas gained 12% with its New York agency set for opening in the final quarter.
"Looking ahead, we are confident that we will continue to make progress in 2012 and beyond. The strategy is working," the group said in company statement.
M&C Saatchi has offered an increased dividend payment of 1.10p from 1p before.
CJ
