A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Total Produce first-profits up 5.5% on same period last year

Food group Total Produce has announced first-half pre-tax profits of €21.7 million, up 5.5 per cent on the €20.6 million declared for the same period a year earlier.

The fruit, vegetable and flower distributor, which was spun out from Fyffes in 2006, said adjusted earnings per share rose 1.5 per cent to 4.12 cents, as against 4.06 in 2009. Revenues, including the group’s share of joint ventures, rose 1.7 per cent from €1.31 billion to €1.33 billion while group revenue rose 2.3 per cent from €1.17 billion to €1.20 billion.

Adjusted pre-tax profits reached €25.3 million, up 3.8 per cent on the €24.3 million for the same period a year earlier. The group said the fresh produce division performed well.

20 engineering jobs at AOL's Dublin base

AOL is to create a further 20 software engineering jobs at its development centre in Dublin, writes Charlie Taylor.

The majority are with the US web firm's media technology unit and will focus on developing its global media channels which include over 80 individual brands.

The jobs are for experienced software engineers and suitable for those with Java qualifications.

"This is a very exciting time for AOL, and particularly for our expanding operations in Dublin," said Aengus McClean, head of global operations.

"We have a very clear goal to become the leading web services company in the world, and our Irish operations will play a crucial role.

AOL has operated from Dublin for the past 10 years and employs 133 people. Dublin is its development base for Europe alongside centres in San Francisco, Dulles, New York, Bangalore and Frankfurt.

The jobs are in addition to 50 positions announced in June. The firm is moving to Dublin city centre from its Citywest base.

RBS reveals further 3,500 job losses

Royal Bank of Scotland announced thousands of new job losses as the bank continues with its drive to trim costs and improve its profitability.

Part-nationalised RBS, 83 per cent owned by the British taxpayer, said it was cutting 3,500 jobs. Since 2009, RBS has shed more than 20,000 jobs. The latest cuts come after a decision in May to shed 2,600 posts at RBS's insurance and British retail banking operations.

Survitec acquires UK's Seaweather

Dunmurry-headquartered Survitec Group, which specialises in survival technology, has acquired UK business Seaweather for an undisclosed sum.

The firm operates a sales and servicing business which concentrates on marine and aviation survival equipment in Dartford in Kent, Southampton and Liverpool.

Its customers include PO, Carnival, Stena Lines, Thomson Airways and Agusta Westland Helicopters.