Shares of British media group, Pearson closed at a record high yesterday after the firm beat profit predictions, renewed its pledge for double-digit earnings growth and confirmed it may seek a US listing.

Pearson's pre-tax pre-exceptional profits surged to £85.6 million sterling in the first half ended in June from £49.4 million a year earlier.

The results beat analysts' estimates, which ranged from £72.7 million to £80 million.

Pearson's shares - which have nearly doubled in the past year - shrugged off overall market weakness in London to rank as the top percentage gainer among FTSE 100 stocks. The shares jumped more than 7 per cent, rising 80p to a new high of £12.