Media Prima Bhd, an integrated media investment group, posted a higher pre-tax profit of RM94.336 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2010 from RM49.643 million in the same quarter of
2009.

The company's revenue also increased to RM416.753 million from RM206.352 million previously.

For the first nine months period ended Sept 30,2010, Media Prima's pre-tax profit jumped to RM215.927 million from RM64.221 million in the same period of 2009.

The company's revenue surged to RM1.135 billion from RM525.531 million previously.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, Media Prima said the higher revenue is partly attributable to the consolidation of New Straits Times Bhd's (NSTP) results.

The company said the acquisition of NSTP and the disposal of MPB Primedia Inc, partly contributed to the increase in profit after tax and minority interest(PATAMI), by more than 100 per cent.

The Group's exceptional performance is reflective of our strategy to consolidate operations, effectively manage costs and diversify revenue sources, its chairman, Datuk Johan Jaaffar, said in a statement today.

On the prospects for 2010, Media Prima is optimistic about an improved outlook for both consumers and advertisers.

The Group is committed to maintaining its industry leadership position and earnings through continued investments in quality content and branding.

It will also continue with efforts in realising the value of its diverse media platforms, by embarking on various integration initiatives involving the assimilation of its recent investments in NSTP and Kurnia Outdoor Sdn Bhd, into the enlarged Media Prima Group.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Board remains confident that the Group will register an improved financial performance for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2010, it said.

Media Prima also declared an interim single-tier dividend for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2010 of four sen per ordinary share that will be paid at a date to be determined. -- Bernama