Leading IT training specialist Xpertise is looking for corporate deals after doubling annual pre-tax profits to £646,000.

The Cheshire-based company, which provides managed training services, authorised IT and professional and soft skills training increased turnover by 40 per cent to £22.3 million in 2007, helped by a £4 million contribution from two long-term management training contracts won early in the year. Earnings rose from 5.8p to 23.10p a share and directors are recommending a return to the dividend lists with a payout of 2.5p a share.

Chairman Richard Last says AIM-quoted Xpertise intends to expand its learning services division this year to win more managed training service contracts. With £2.1 million cash at the end of December, the company’s declared policy is to pursue growth ‘organically and by acquisition, if appropriate opportunities arise’.

Floated at 25p in 1999, Xpertise shares have had a volatile history. After rising from
39p in 2006 to 132.5p last October, they now trade at 116.5p, up 8.5p today, valuing the company at £66 million.

With luck,  they might outperform some sector peers.

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Xpertise Group	AIM	0pm	p	p
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Other company articles:
Private equity backs Xpertise bidder			22/08/2008
Trading cheer from Xpertise			02/07/2008
Xpertise doubles profits			28/02/2008
New contracts lift Xpertise			14/08/2007
Xpertise			20/02/2006