For the full year results to 31 December 2003 the firm reported turnover up by 8% on 2002 to 158m, while operating profits improved 6.1% to 29.4m. Pre-tax profit rose 13.9% to 27.8m.

The privately owned community media group publishes 60 magazines and 40 websites in total, owns four daily newspapers and more than 85 weekly titles with a combined circulation of 3m copies a week.

Archant chairman Richard Jewson said: The economic outlook for 2004 is uncertain. However, we expect growth in newspapers and an improvement in magazine profitability.

The firm announced that it was looking for further acquisitions to enhance shareholder value.