Internet search operator’s pre-tax profit trebles to €7m

Pre-tax profits at the Dublin-based company that operates the ask.com website in Britain and Ireland almost trebled to $9.5m (€7m) in 2010.

Accounts recently filed with the Companies Registration Office that IAC Search & Media Europe Ltd’s revenues increased by 18% from $126m to $148m in the 12 months to the end of Dec 2010.

The company’s pre-tax profits increased by 178% from $3.4m to $9.5m.

According to the directors’ report, “revenue increased 18% to $148.1m, reflecting growth in queries from distributed and proprietary toolbars and destination websites”.

“Revenue was negatively impacted by a decline in a revenue per query, as distributed toolbar queries generally monetise at lower rates.”

On the company’s future developments, the directors state that the firm “continues its efforts to expand in its European Union and other international markets”.

The company has its registered office at the College & Business Technology Park, Blanchardstown North Rd. Staff numbers dropped from 12 to 11.

The filings show that $147.9m of the firm’s $148m turnover was generated in Britain, with the remaining $145,813 coming from the “rest of the world”.

Operating profits increased from $3.8m to $8m.

The company’s ultimate parent is IAC Search and Media Inc based in New York City.