Drinks giant Allied Domecq delivered a six per cent increase in annual profits after a year in which it went on an acquisitions and marketing spree.
The company, which owns a mixture of wine and spirits brands including Beefeater Gin and Tia Maria, saw the headline figure meet the upper end of analysts' expectations at £480 million.
The growth comes after deals added winemaker Montana, German after dinner liqueur Kummerling and coconut rum Malibu to its drinks collection.
Marketing spend behind key spirits and wine brands also increased by 34 per cent to £443 million as it looked to squeeze further growth from its brands.
Chief executive Philip Bowman said: "These results represent a successful outcome to an important year for Allied Domecq."
The acquisitions helped turnover in the year to August 31 lift 16 per cent to £3.33 billion.
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