British BOC, which has agreed to be taken over by Linde, has announced its first half-year results.
The companys gases business continued to grow strongly throughout the first half year with better volumes overall and good recovery of higher energy costs in selling prices. This growth, coupled with better profitability in BOC Edwards, led to an 8 per cent increase in earnings for the half year.
Group revenue rose to £1.98bn from £1.94bn last year, while total revenue jumped six per cent to 2.4bn.
Pre-tax profit came in lower at £241m versus £354m as last years figures were inflated by the disposal of certain businesses.
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