THE IRISH-based unit of Alcatel Lucent returned to profit last year, recording a pretax profit of €2.2 million after revenues rose by 47 per cent to €15.5 million.

It follows a loss of €7.1 million in 2010, according to accounts recently filed with the companies office.

The figures show revenues at the French-owned global communications firm increased from €10.5 million to €15.5 million in the 12 months to the end of December last. Numbers employed at the firm last year declined from 134 to 129.

The principal activity of the company is the provision of research, development, technical installation and support services for the Alcatel Lucent product range.

The firm recorded an operating profit of €5 million last year compared to an operating loss of €11.2 million in 2010. The profit arose mainly from a reduction in operating expenses from €25.2 million to €12.8 million. Other operating income was €2.8 million compared to €3.4 million in 2010.

The firm recorded the profit despite €1.2 million in impairment of financial fixed assets and €1.3 million in reorganisation costs. Net interest payable of €372,012 further reduced the company’s profits.

A breakdown of the reorganisation costs shows €527,620 in severance costs, €634,269 in building reorganisation costs and €142,454 in onerous lease obligations.

Staff costs reduced from €12.59 million to €12.47 million last year with directors’ remuneration totalling €372,747 that includes €37,115 in pension contributions.

The firm received a tax credit of €948,412 resulting in post-tax profits of €3.22 million and enjoyed an actuarial gain of €7.3 million compared to an actuarial loss of €6.8 million in 2010.

Globally, Alcatel Lucent employs 76,000 and had revenues of €15.3 billion last year.