Sage sticks to upwardly mobile path with profits

Accountancy software firm Sage reported pre-tax profits up by 37 per cent to u16.1 million on turnover which grew by 42 per cent to u71.8 million for the six months ended March 31 1996. Operating profits rose 45 per cent to u18.1 million.

Analysts expect Sage to reach pre-tax profits of about u30 million by the end of its financial year. According to David Goldman, chairman of Sage, the company will buy more companies within six months. He said: 'We are looking for Sage lookalikes but have no specific deal in mind.'

Last month Sage ditched its broadline distributors saying they were flexible on price and could not offer support to its Sterling line of products.

The Sage Group has made two senior appointments: Paul Stobart and Guy Letts. Stobart, formerly European chairman of Interbrand will join as director of business development and strategy. Letts, formerly with Logica, will be group research and development manager. David Errington has been promoted to UK director of R&D from R&D manager.