Brewer and pub operator Fuller Smith & Turner has reported a 12 per cent rise in revenues for year ended 1 April 2006 to £145m from £129.5m in 2005.

However, profit before tax was down 13 per cent to £15.3m from £17.6m last year, which has been attributed to the company’s £92m acquisition of George Gale and Company in December 2005.

The Gales deal added 111 predominantly freehold pubs to Fuller Smith & Turner’s portfolio, but also increased the company’s debt to £130m from £22m

Anthony Fuller, chair of Fuller’s, said: “Following the successful integration of Gales, we are well positioned to achieve synergies for the combined businesses in the next year of £3.5m, which is £0.5m higher than first anticipated.” Details: www.fullers.co.uk

Photo: Michael Turner, chief executive and Paul Clarke, finance director of Fuller Smith & Turner