A £40 million investment in its Irish operations combined with a buoyant economy helped Guinness Ireland to turn in a strong performance in 1996. Sales were up 8 per cent to £764 million, while pretax profits, at £163 million, were up 10 per cent on 1995.

Operating profits also rose by 10 per cent - to £140 million - and profit after tax was £145 million, up 11 per cent. The company paid corporate tax of £18 million for the year. Page 4