Granada Group, the television and catering group which owns the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, has announced a 15 per cent rise in profit before tax and exceptionals to £315 million sterling in the six months ended March 27th, 1999.

Both main areas of business grew with media showing an 8 per cent growth in operating profit and hospitality showing an 11 per cent increase.

The group's hotels in all the major cities, including Dublin, showed sales growth of 11 per cent to 25 per cent. Granada said it has identified additional locations where it would like to have a Le Meridien - the brand name of the hotels - presence. It is understood that Ireland is not one of the locations.