Rank report profit increase

Rank Group Plc have announced small year-on-year rises in revenue and operating profit for the second half of 2011.

The gaming firm’s interim results for the six months ending 31st December also reveal an increase in customers and customer visits during the period.

The company’s revenue for H2 2011 was up 3.2% on H2 2010 to £295.9m, with operating profit increasing by 3.6% to £34.6m.

The results combine the performance of Rank’s Grosvenor Casino, Mecca Bingo, Top Rank Espana and Rank Interactive brands – with the latter enjoying a 24.8% rise in revenue and 14.3% increase in operating profit.

Customer numbers during the period were up 4.6% to 2.75 million, while customer visitors rose 4.9% to 14.2 million.

Rank Group chairman Ian Burke said: “Our UK brands, whose reputation has been built across a portfolio of high quality venues, are increasingly complemented by improving websites and mobile applications.

“While we remain cautious on the consumer environment, the strength of the Group’s financial position along with a portfolio of well-regarded brands presents a strong platform to build on.”