DEALER group Lookers reported a 27% rise in half-year profits in the six months to March 31. Pre-tax profits increased from £3.16 million to £4 million on turnover up from £213 million to £301 million.

Group chairman Ken Martindale said funds had been set aside for a major reorganisation to prepare the company for the major challenges facing dealers in the next century.

'We have completed our planning for the reorganisation and the task is now well in hand,' said Martindale. 'We have been able to provide for the costs of this redevelopment without depleting our resources or profitability and we are now in a position to resume our growth.'