Dublin-based search engine operators suffer 70% hit in pre-tax profits

PRE-tax profits at the Dublin-based company that operates the ask.com website in Ireland and Britain last year decreased by 70% from $11.7 million (€8.9m) to $3.4m (€2.6m).

Accounts recently filed with the Companies’ Office show IAC Search & Media Europe Ltd’s revenues decreased by 19% from $155m to $126m to the end of December 2009.

The filings show that the company’s operating profit decreased by 66% from $11.5m to $3.8m during the year.