Company News in Brief

Microgen Holdings slipped to pounds 3.4m ( pounds 3.75m) pre-tax profit in the six months to 30 April. EPS fell to 5.5p (6.1p). Dividend held at 2.2p.

P&P lifted half-year pre-tax profits 35 per cent to pounds 2.7m on turnover down 2 per cent at pounds 118.9m, and announced an pounds 8.6m one-for- four rights issue at 60p to acquire QA Training.

Year to 31 March

Gibbon Lyons Group almost doubled pre-tax profits from pounds 990,000 to pounds 1.7m. Earnings per share improved to 10.9p (4.7p). Final dividend 3.3p, making 5.5p (5p).

Wilshaw achieved higher pre-tax profits of pounds 3.25m ( pounds 2.1m) on turnover up from pounds 31.7m to pounds 36.6m. EPS rose to 2.4p (1.6p). Final dividend 0.4p, making 0.6p (0.5p).

Year to 30 April

Farepak, the Christmas hamper group, announced pre-tax profits of pounds 6.1m, up from pounds 5.5m previously. Sales jumped to pounds 81.6m ( pounds 67.2m). EPS 17.6p (16.26p). Total dividend 6.6p (5.75p).

Reg Vardy, the motor dealer, reported pre-tax profits 92 per cent ahead at pounds 8.4m, helped by a pounds 1m property disposal. EPS 12.9. Total dividend 4.6p (4.2p).