Tyre group's profits up 48%

The tyre group Continental AG, parent company of Semperit in Ballyfermot, has announced a 48 per cent rise in earnings in the first nine months of the year. Pre-tax earnings at the group grew by 99 million deutschmarks to DM304 million (£116 million). The improvement was attributed to an improved product mix, a more favourable cost structure and increased volume in all the corporation's divisions.