M&C Saatchi rolls out 24% profit rise

21st Sep 2011 10:31

Advertising firm M&C Saatchi reported a stronger than expected 24% increase in first-half profit after winning a string of multi-national clients.The agency posted a profit before tax of £7.7m for the six months ended 31 June from £6.3m in 2010. Revenue rose 23% to £71.9m.Chief executive David Kershaw said, "We are confident about our progress but are conscious of any macro effects beyond our control in 2012." Like-for-like revenue rose 21% during the six-month period. An interim dividend of 1p has been offered, up 15% from 2010."We experienced good growth in our UK and other European businesses. The Asia and Australasia region had a more challenging half but we are pleased that our African and American operations are all moving towards profit," the group added. ---CJ