Waterford Wedgwood said the improvement in sales seen in November continued in the last month of the year.

On a like-for-like basis, sales in December were up by 2 per cent on the same period in 2003, according to the crystal and ceramics group, which has been experiencing a tough time in its main markets. This followed a 3 per cent rise in November.

Meanwhile, the company's shareholders approved its proposed acquisition of Royal Doulton at an extraordinary meeting yesterday.

More than 99 per cent of shareholders voted in favour of the motion to buy the British group in an all-cash deal that values Royal Doulton at nearly €58 million.

Waterford Wedgwood, which already owns 21 per cent of its British rival, has reached agreement with the Royal Doulton board for its bid.

The acquisition will be funded through a €100 million five-for-three rights issue of Waterford Wedgwood shares at six cents per share.

At an extraordinary meeting before Christmas, shareholders approved the rights issue. They also agreed to a waiver that could see company chairman Sir Anthony O'Reilly and his brother-in-law Mr Peter Goulandris, the main shareholders who are underwriting 70 per cent of the rights issue, increase their stake to more than 30 per cent in the event that not all shareholders take up their rights.