BREWING giant Scottish & Newcastle has revealed that its purchase of Hereford-based Bulmer has helped it to post an 11 per cent rise in underlying profits.
The group said sales volumes of its top four brands - Foster's, Kronenbourg 1664, John Smith's and Strongbow - rose by 4.5 per cent in the UK.
Group profits were in line with hopes at £373m, compared to £36m in 2003.
Chief executive Tony Froggatt said the company made "very good progress" last year.
"We have also significantly increased investment in our brands. The integration of Bulmer's, particularly, was a great success."
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