Jongleurs makes even more money

The owner of Jongleurs Comedy Club has announced a 38 per cent hike in operating profit today.

Shares in Regent Inns soared ten per cent on the news that the company made £6.8million in the last six months of 2002.

The interim statement to shareholders also revealed that on average, each of its comedy clubs takes £45,700 a week.

Regent Inns chairman Peter Savage said: "Bar Risa/Jongleurs made considerable progress both operationally and financially as sales in the period grew by 44.2 per cent to £13.4m and the brand's profit margin improved by 3.7 per cent."

Dividends in the company, which also owns the Walkabout chain of Australian-themed bar, have been maintained at 1.82p.

However, like much of the Stock Market, Regent Inns has had a tough 12 months. In February last year, their share price was more than 175p - even after today's rise it stood at just 62.5p.

Published: 5 Feb 2003