Unilever reports profits boost

Consumer products giant Unilever today banked a 7% rise in pre-tax profits as demand for its products grew in the UK and Germany.

The Anglo-Dutch firm, best known for brands such as Dove soap, Magnum ice cream and Hellmann's mayonnaise, saw pre-tax profits increase to €4.83bn during 2006, as its European business returned to growth, with a rise of 1%.