FCUK posts 28% profit rise

UK fashion retailer, French Connection, have posted a 28% rise in pre-tax profits to £38.7m (€57.42m) to the end January 2004 for 2003.

Turnover was up 11% to £267.9m (€398m).

The company - whose brands include French Connection UK and Nicole Farhi - said improved wholesale orders and strong retail sales growth helped power the increase.

French Connection also said it expected its US businesses to move into profit during 2004.

Forward orders helped overseas sales break the £100m (€148m) barrier for the first time while the new FCUK fragrance also helped to strengthen brand awareness in the US from the beginning of the year.