BUPA reports profits boost

Private healthcare giant BUPA today banked a 47% jump in profits after customer numbers grew amid buoyant economic conditions earlier this year.

The privately-owned company, which specialises in insurance and care homes, saw pre-tax profits rise to £166m (€239m) during the six months to June 30 after insurance customer numbers increased by 3% boosted by strong growth in the expatriate corporate sector.

But BUPA warned that profits growth would slow during the second half of the year as it increases investment across its core businesses following the sale of its hospital operations in August.