Xpert Systems, the privately-owned Irish information technology group, has announced a 40 per cent increase in profits to €3.56 million (£2.8 million) for the year to April 30th, 1999. Turnover from continuing operations increased to €14.22 million from €10.41 million.

Xpert has operations in the Republic and Britain and is involved in networking, hardware solution and related systems integration and support services. Xpert chairman Mr Aidan Farrell said the results, which included a full year contribution from Gandalf, acquired in 1997, reflected strong growth in each of its business units.

"In the UK, our customer base has grown significantly. Our Irish business benefited from the buoyant domestic economy and further increases in market share," Mr Farrell said.