Aegis’ market research business Synovate enjoyed a 20.9% increase in operating profits to £42.2 million in 2008.
Synovate put the growth down to a mix of organic growth, acquisition effects and benefits from its SmartWork efficiency programme.
Overall revenues were up 19.7% to £518.2 million, with EMEA revenues up 20.3% to £248.4 million.
Americas revenues were up 9.6% to £145.2 million, with Asia Pacific revenues up 32.4% to £124.6 million.
There was strong growth in Russia and Africa, helped by the acquisition of African market-leader Steadman early last year.
The firm revealed that trading was tougher in Germany and Scandinavia, however, because those markets are weighted towards automotive and media respectively.
Aegis announced last week that it is to cut 5% of its global workforce, around 780 employees, as it seeks to cut costs in the economic downturn (see ITV Welcomes Ofcom’s Public Service Proposals).
