5:00 PM London - Bunzl plc first-half revenue grew 2.6% and net profit rose 7%. Grafton Group Plc revenues declined 1.1% and net nearly tripled. Afren Plc sales increased 38% and swung to net profit in the first half to $50.72 million.

Afren Plc, the independent oil and gas explorer reported first-half profit of $50.72 million or 5.2 cents per share for the period, compared to a loss of $38.53 million or 7.3 cents per share in the six months of the prior year. Turnover increased 38.4% to $214.75 million from $155.16 million in the comparable period.

British Polythene Industries Plc, the manufacturer of polythene products stated first-half total sales rose 13% to £260.8 million from £231.4 million last year. Net profit in the period surged 67% to £10.2 million or 38.25 pence per share as against net profit of £6.1 million or 23.12 pence per share in the prior-year period.

Bunzl plc, the distribution and outsourcing company reported first-half revenue grew 2.6% to £2.35 billion from £2.29 billion in the prior-year period. Net profit in the period rose 7% to £69.6 million, or 21.5 pence per share, compared with net profit of £65.1 million or 20.3 pence per share a year ago.

Grafton Group plc, the builders’ materials and home improvement retailer revenue dropped 1.1% to €978.69 million from €989.95 million in the year ago period. Net profit in the period surged 280% to €12.88 million or 5.55 euro cents per share compared to net profit of €3.39 million or 1.47 euro cents per share in the prior year.

Shed Media Plc, the television production company reported first-half revenues grew 27% to £59.04 million from £46.47 million in the previous year. Net profit in the period climbed 44% to £4.03 million or 4.64 pence per share compared to net profit of £2.80 million or 3.21 pence per share last year.