3Com, the computer network company which employs more than 1,000 people in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin, said yesterday its first-quarter net income, excluding a once-off charge, rose more than 13 per cent to $172.2 million (£118 million) compared to the yearago period. The company said that, including the charge related to its merger with US Robotics, it recorded losses for the quarter of $146.8 million.

Sales for the three months reached record levels, the firm added, rising 28 per cent to $1.6 billion (£1.01 billion). No separate figures were available for its Irish operations.

"The merger of 3Com and US Robotics is off to a tremendous start," said Mr Eric Benhamou, the firm's chairman and chief executive. "Our first quarter as a combined company has led to increased market share and sequentially improved operating margins."