The diversified services group DCC reported a 13.2 per cent rise in operating profit to €111.1 million for the 12 months to March 2003.
DCC - which operates in the food, fuel and IT sectors - said profit growth from continuing activities was 18.5 per cent in the more significant second half of its financial year, compared to growth of 4.7 per cent in the first half.
Turnover from continuing activities was up 11 per cent to €2,242.9 million, of which sales of DCC's own brands accounted for about 42 per cent.
Acquisition expenditure last year totalled €80.3 million, the bulk of which was spent on British Gas LPG in November 2002 and Shannon Environmental Services in January 2003.
DCC chief executive Mr Jim Flavin said: "DCC is commercially and financially well placed to generate continuing good growth both organically and by acquisition".