Artwork Systems has said strong European growth in the third quarter was offset by the weak UK and North American markets.

Its third-quarter results show that although net income increased 8% to 6.33m (E10.1m) net profit fell 24% to 621,000.

Artwork Systems chairman Guido Van der Schueren said that this quarters figures were compared with the exceptionally strong Drupa quarter from last year. He added: Given the tough economic environment, I am pleased with our financial results for this quarter.

While there was strong growth in France, Germany and the Benelux countries, the company said it did not expect the British and North American markets to improve in the fourth quarter.