The group's figures for the year ending December 31 2005 show that operating profit is up 30% from 拢9.5m to 拢7.3m and operating income has increased 21% to 拢63m from 拢52.1m.
The group's net debt has been more than halved from 拢6.3m at the end of 2004 to 拢3m at the end of last year and organic growth in operating income was 7% for 2005.
Key factors are seen as the purchase in June last year of VCCP, which took over the management of four of its existing businesses Heresy, Rare Digital, Pure Media and Gasoline, as well as other acquisitions including PR outfit Baxter Hulme in July.
At the same time, Chime sold off a number of concerns, including its 51% of shares in HHCL Group, which was sold to WPP Group for 拢2.75m, and the sales of 76% of shares in the loss-making Rare Publishing to PSP Communications.
Its PR firms, including flagship brand Bell Pottinger, did well, with operating income during 2005 for PR up 11% from 拢36.2m to 拢40.1m.
New-business wins for advertising and marketing during 2005 included Callaway, e-bookers, the Financial Services Authority and Gala Bingo, and PR wins included Cadbury Trebor Bassett, GSK and Johnson & Johnson.
Chime recently agreed a three-year strategy for the group that includes continuing to reduce its debt, increase the number of clients shared between more than one company and expanding the international presence in public affairs, corporate and financial, and advertising and marketing services sectors.
Lord Bell, chairman of Chime Communications, said: "All our divisions have done well and the acquisition of VCCP, which there was some scepticism about, has proved to be a success.
"For us, one of the most important areas is that we now have 7% organic growth as that compares to a market growth of around 3%-4%."
He added that going into 2006 further "major acquistions were unlikely".
Meanwhile, Chime has announced that non-executive board director Alan Chamberlain, who has been with the firm since 1989 as a director and consultant, is to retire. He will continue to offer consultancy work for the group.
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