Jurys report rise in profits

Takeover target Jurys Doyle has reported pre-tax profits of €23.7m for the six months to the end of June, a 7.8% rise from the figure of almost €22m the same time last year.

The figures have been prepared under new IFRS accountancy rules for the first time.

Sales for the six-month period increased by 11.8% to €150.9m from €134.9m , while basic earnings per share fell to 18.3 cent, down from 31.7 cent for the first six months of 2004.

The hotel group said the outcome for the six months was achieved against the background of good business conditions in London and Washington.

The Irish and UK Jurys Inn division also saw a strong performance in the first half of the year with the combined trading profits up by 21%.