Trend Micro triples its pretax profits

THE IRISH arm of computer anti-virus software manufacturer Trend Micro recorded a three-fold increase in pretax profits to €17.6 million last year.

According to accounts just returned to the Companies Office, revenues at the Cork-based Trend Micro (EMEA) Ltd and subsidiaries more than doubled last year to €156.9 million in 2009.

Last year, the Japanese internet content security firm announced the creation of 100 jobs in Cork as it took responsibility for the company’s Europe, Africa and Middle East markets markets.

The figures show the numbers employed by the firm increased from 255 to 316 last year.

Profits were boosted by €2.8 million in profits secured from the sale of intellectual property rights.

The main factor behind the increase in pretax profits was interest payments received of €10.5 million, compared to €8.8 million received in interest in 2008.

The company increased its sales and marketing staff from 122 to 149 last year, with “other” staff numbers increasing from 130 to 164. Staff costs increased by 24 per cent last year to €25.3 million from €20.4 million.

The accounts show the directors’ remuneration increased by 115 per cent from €529,000 to a total of €1.1 million.