The Jurys Doyle hotel group is searching for acquisitions, particularly in the British market, and may look to eventually expand its presence in the US, according to managing director, Mr Peter Malone.

Announcing an 18 per cent rise in pre-tax profit to £23.2 million (€29.4 million) for Jurys in the 12 months to the end of April, Mr Malone said the integration of the State's two biggest hotel groups is progressing well and the group is on track to deliver another strong performance this year.

"This is the last set of results for the old Jurys. It is a sad day but we must progress and move forward."

Looking ahead, Mr Malone said the enlarged group has significant opportunities for revenue growth through enhanced purchasing power and stronger sales and marketing capacity.

"We have a balanced spread of hotels and inns in Ireland and the UK and a good foothold in the US market. I look forward with confidence to another strong performance from the group in the current year."

Strong growth in business in the Irish and British markets boosted turnover at Jurys by 17 per cent to £83.6 million over the 12-month period. Earnings per share rose by 22.6 per cent to 42.8p. Shareholders will be paid a second interim dividend of 7p per share, bringing the full dividend for the year to 11p, up 22 per cent on the previous year.

The addition of new inns in London, Edinburgh and Manchester brought new business to Jury's, while it also invested substantially in refurbishing existing hotels and inns. The biggest move for the group though was the £187.6 million acquisition of the Doyle hotel group which was completed in May. Mr Malone said the acquisition creates a powerful Irish hotel group with sufficient critical mass and scale to compete internationally. "The ability to compete effectively in international markets will open up new opportunities for growth and development in the years ahead."

The group has also recently announced the acquisition of the Central Club property in London, with plans to build a 170-bedroom four-star hotel on the site. Yesterday, Mr Malone announced it will spend £10 million in extending the Clifton Ford Hotel in London.