Microfilm chief optimistic

MICROFILM Reprographics, the microfilm bureau, held out the prospect of 'a particularly successful' 1993 as it reported pre-tax profits barely higher at pounds 8.2m, writes Paul Durman.

Although John Redmond, chairman, said trading remained tough, the group expects to benefit from several small acquisitions made in the past 15 months.

Sales in the year to 30 June slipped by pounds 700,000 to pounds 33.7m, partly due to the group's withdrawal from selling microfiche reader-printers.

Despite its acquisitions, Microfilm has increased its cash by pounds 1.8m to pounds 8.3m.

Mr Redmond said he would consider spending pounds 10m- pounds 20m on a larger purchase, but Microfilm has yet to see a sufficiently attractive target.

Microfilm's final dividend of 2.88p increases the total by 20 per cent to 4.32p a share. Earnings rose by 2 per cent to 10.6p a share.