East Grinstead-based Rentokil Initial set itself firmly on the acquisition trail after announcing a rise in half-year profits.

Turnover at the pest control-to-tropical plants firm rose five per cent to £1.15 billion in the six months to June 30, while pre-tax profits were up seven per cent at £186.6 million.

The strongest growth was in the security services division, where turnover grew 11 per cent to £273.7 million.

Much of that was fuelled by the arm's United States operations due to a spurt in demand for guards.

Hygiene, pest control, conferencing, parcels delivery and facilities management reported sales growth, although the group's tropical plants division was hit by a weak performance in the United States.

Chairman and chief executive Sir Clive Thompson said the group was now focused on growth.

He said: "We expect to continue to generate strong operating cash flow. This will be used to make bolt-on acquisitions in hygiene and security, particularly in North America, UK and Continental Europe, to contin-ue our share buy-back programme and to invest further in sales and marketing to deliver continued organic growth."

This is the last set of results Sir Clive, once known as Mr 20 per cent because of the consistent high levels of profits growth, will deliver.

He is stepping down as chief executive in January and will be replaced by development director James Wilde.

Two years ago, Rentokil launched a shake-up of the business after failing, for the first time in 17 years, to meet its growth targets.

It sold off a tranche of businesses, secured acquisitions and focused on building up its now-core areas, such as hygiene and security.

The latest figures came in slightly below some analysts' targets, and shares in the group dipped 3.25p. Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 1.58p, a 10.5 per cent increase.