Insurance group Hibernian today reported a 20 per cent increase in operating profit to £68.1 million in the first half of the year.
Commenting on the results, Hibernian chief executive Mr Pat Mc Gorrian said he was "delighted" with the results, considering the backdrop of volatile stock markets and the considerable increases in the cost of settling insurance claims.
New business grew by 13 per cent to £65.3 million at the life assurance and pensions division in the first six months of the year.
Mr McGorrian said the rising cost of settling claims has seen substantial premium increases across the market in all classes of business.
Hibernian was bought by Britain’s CGNU group in 1999 for £413 million. CGNU, Britain's largest insurer, reported a 42 per cent rise in profit to £427 million sterling.