Advertising network M&C Saatchi has delivered a bumper profit on the back of a strong performance from its UK operations, its interim results show.

The company has reported a profit before tax of £3.33m for the six months to the end of June, up from £2.04m for the same period in 2006.

The boost in profit came on the back of £37.31m in revenue for the half year, up from £34.66m a year earlier.

The M&C Saatchi chief executive, David Kershaw, said trading had been strong in the first half of the year.

"The Asia and Australia region had a tougher half but we are pleased that both the US and European businesses are moving into profit," Mr Kershaw said.

"The outlook for the rest of the year remains in line with expectations."

The UK was one of the company's best performing markets, with an 8.6% growth in revenue, driven largely by the success of media agency Walker Media.

M&C Saatchi, which already had a stake in Walker Media, acquired an additional 19.5% in shares in July for £8.8m in cash and 1.9m new shares, when founder Christine Walker departed the business.

The company, backed by £13m in credit from RBS, also bought brand consultancy Clear Ideas for an initial payment of £13.6m in cash and 3.4m new shares.

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