The groups turnover grew by 1% to 155.1m from the previous year, and profits before tax and exceptional items rose 25% to 50.6m.

Chief executive Tim Bowdler said growth in advertising revenues reflected a three-year investment in press technology, which ended earlier this year (PrintWeek, 15 March).

Advertising yields have increased due to the increased colour, said Bowdler.

He added that Johnston would look at increasing colour capacity at the RIM printing plants that came under its umbrella after the acquisition this year.