Ascend Communications Inc, the US networking group which recently acquired Stratus Computers in Blanchardstown, has reported after-tax profits of $84.9 million (#79.3 million) for the first quarter of 1999, an increase of 62 per cent over the same quarter last year.

The group, which is quoted on the Nasdaq, had first-quarter net sales of $509.4 million. It will invest £41.3 million (#52.5 million) in the Blanchardstown facility.