Profits boost for French Connection

Shares in fashion retailer French Connection soared today after it said profits would be higher than its previous expectations despite the tough conditions on the high street.

The company said pre-tax profits will be least £6.8m (€8m) in the year to January 31, which is comfortably ahead of City forecasts and previous guidance from French that profits would be between £2.6m (€3m) and £5.1m (€6m).