Dublin-based publishing group Lafferty Publications is gearing up for a flotation within the next three years. The company has appointed former Financial Times executive Mr Martin Brooks as chief executive and deputy chairman to oversee the path to the stock market. He has taken an undisclosed equity stake in the group. Mr Brooks said yesterday he would be responsible for the day-to-day management of the group and for steering the distribution of information increasingly through electronic mediums, particularly the Internet.

Lafferty Publications employs 100 people, with 60 working at its Dublin office. It also has operations in London, New York and Singapore. It was established by the current chairman and editor-in-chief, Mr Michael Lafferty, in 1988. It produces publications for some 10,000 customers in the financial services, accountancy and consultancy sectors.