British homeware company Portmeirion has credited the acquisition of the Royal Worcester and Spode brands from Waterford Wedgwood for a 31% rise in profits in the first half of this year. It said the acquisition boosted sales by 10%. It is also trying to have the brands reintroduced into department stores.


Waterford Crystal, which is part of Waterford Wedgwood, put 170 workers on protective notice last week.