Michael Page H1 pre-tax profit up 22% - Update

which ended its takeover talks with Adecco, posted 22% growth in its first-half pre-tax profit against a backdrop of weakening conditions in some of its markets. The company also announced a 20% increase in its interim dividend. The company's profit for the six-month ended June 30, 2008 advanced to GBP 58.9 million from GBP 47.4 million earned in the prior-year period. On a per share basis, earnings totaled 18.0 pence compared to 14.0 pence in the same period of last year. Profit before tax for the period grew 22% to GBP 84.1 million from GBP 69.2 million in the comparable period of the previous year. Operating profit increased to GBP 84.9 million from GBP 69.8 million in the year-ago period. Half-yearly revenues amounted to GBP 500.0 million, 26% higher than the previous year's revenue of GBP 395.8 million. At constant... [read full story]