ITG, a Dublin-based technology firm which will soon be rebranded Alphyra Group, reported a 46 per cent increase in earnings for the year to April 30th.

The company said earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose to #8 million (£6.3 million), up from #5.5 million.

Turnover for the 12 months was #88.46 million, up from #54.5 million the previous year.

Shares in ITG closed up 10 cents at #5.50 on the news.

ITG's chairman, Mr John McDonnell, said the group expected significant improvements from its existing businesses, and a strong 2002.

Profits before tax, goodwill and exceptional items were #3.1 million, up from #2.5 million.

The results show ITG made a a #10.35 million gain from the sale of a 4.9 per cent stake in Dublin-based technology firm Orbiscom.

It also shows ITG has written down its #8.8 million investment in failed virtual mobile operator Meridian.

The company said it had signed a mobile top-up deal with British mobile operator Orange yesterday.

The company already has deals with Esat Digifone and Vodafone.

Mr Conor Walsh, telecoms analyst with Goodbody Stockbrokers, said the results represented a good operating performance.

"The company has shown it can make deals with mobile operators and is now profitable in its electronic transaction business in Ireland," he said.

The company announced its plan to change its name to Alphyra earlier this month.