Independent Newspapers has announced a second interim dividend of 6p per share which will be paid to shareholders on March 26th. It is being paid because of the changes in the Finance Act under which tax credits will be eliminated on distributions made on or after April 6th.

It is a 15 per cent increase on the final dividend for 1997 of 5.2p per share.

Group chief executive Mr Liam Healy said the second interim dividend "demonstrates our commitment to double digit growth. The recently announced restructuring plan will further enhance profitability and growth in the coming years".