Speaking at a conference call to reporters following the company's full-year results, CEO Tom Bowdler said ad revenues for March were climbing at a similar pace. He added that the company would consider further acquisitions "if the right opportunity came along".
Johnston reported pre-tax profits up 32.1% to £97.2m from £73.6m last time on a turnover of £428.5m, up 42.4% on 2001. Like-for-like operating profit, excluding Regional Independent Media, up 7.1%.
Roger Parry, the Johnson Press chairman, said: "We have achieved further modest revenue growth, despite advertising markets remaining subdued."
He added: "The outlook is clouded by events overseas and their potential impact on the UK economy, including business and consumer confidence. While it is impossible to predict the economic consequences with certainty, we remain confident that Johnston Press is in good shape to respond to whatever challenges the future may bring."
The company has a debt facility of between £100m and £120m, according to finance director Stuart Paterson.
Johnston bought RIM, publisher of the Yorkshire Post, at the end of 2001 for £550m.
RIM was formed by venture capitalist Candover out of the newspaper assets it acquired from United News & Media, now United Business Media, for £360m in 1998. The group also owns the Sheffield Star, the Doncaster Star and Lancashire Evening News.
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