HAULAGE giant Stobart Group said today it was confident of delivering strong profit growth following a string of takeovers.

The group, formed from the merger of Westbury Property Fund Ltd and Eddie Stobart Ltd last September, added inland container terminal O’Connor Group to its interests during the 14 months to February 29.

Since then, it has also acquired James Irlam & Sons and WA Developments Ltd.

Stobart said pre-tax profits totalled £3.5m during the 14 months under review with revenue from continuing operations amounting to £108.8m.

Chief executive Andrew Tinkler said the results were in line with management forecasts.

Shareholders get a final dividend of 5.3p per share, giving a total of 8p for the year.