Profit before tax

Profit before tax, amortisation and impairment and after share based payment charge was £200.1 million, giving an increase of 18%.

5 year compound growth was 23%, excluding exceptional items:

• 2001 - £72.1 million
• 2002 - £98.3 million (excluding exceptional items)
• 2003 - £121.2 million
• 2004 - £143.9 million (excluding exceptional items)
• 2005 - £169.6 million
• 2006 - £200.1 million