Bristol United Press Reports £14.5m Pre-Tax Profit

Bristol United Press has reported a 73% increase in pre-tax profits to £14.5 million for the period ended 31 March 1998.

The regional publisher, which produces the Bristol Observer Series, gained £1.1 million operating profit from the acquisition of Wessex Newspapers in September last year for £35 million (see Newsquest Sells Titles). It also gained exceptional items of £3.1 million following the sale of shares in HTV and Reuters.

Earnings per share before exceptional items were up by 53.6% to 31.9p. Turnover stood at £73 million.

Bristol United Press: 0117 934 3000