Photo-Me offers snaps with stars

BOOTHS where customers can have souvenir photographs taken of themselves apparently with celebrities such as Madonna are among innovations introduced by Photo-Me International to sustain earnings growth, writes John Murray.

The photo-booths operator dislosed a 5 per cent increase in earnings per share to 17.9p for the year to 30 April, despite a slight fall in pre-tax profits to pounds 16.4m ( pounds 17.1m). Profits were lower because of higher depreciation costs. The final dividend is 3.1p, making a total of 4.4p, a 5 per cent rise.

The managing director, David Miller, said that the move into fun machines, such as the ones that produce the celebrity photos, and self-service business card printing were positive investments. He added that the possible introduction of national identity cards - and cheque guarantee and credit cards with photographs - offered opportunities for growth.