Software AG, the German technology company that bought Dublin-based Software Computing Power in May, yesterday reported increased sales and profits for the first half of the year. The company said revenue rose 16 per cent to €169 million (£133 million), while net profits rose 18 per cent to €15 million (£12 million).

Revenue growth in the first half was mainly due to growth in the areas of licences and professional services, Software AG said. There was strong demand for the database management system, Adabas and the application development software, Natural, which together generated revenue growth of 31 per cent, according to the results. While net profit grew at 18 per cent, pre-tax profit rose 52 per cent to €28 million (£22 million).