A 10% rise in contract hire and fleet management business at BSG International's leasing businesses contributed to the group reporting a 36.7% rise in pre-tax profits to £19.4 million (£14.2 million) on turnover up 11% to £476 million (£422 million) for the first six months of 1996.

The company comprises 28 Bristol Street dealerships, contract hire and fleet management companies Autolease, Jessups and Britax Autolease in Holland and automotive components and airline seat manufacturer Britax International.

Turnover in the Bristol Street operation rose 12% to £281 million with operating profits 9% up at £7.1 million as a result of new and used car sales volumes up 17% and 14% respectively, accompanied by improvements in aftersales. The leasing and fleet management fleet size has now reached 32,400 units and prices for ex-lease vehicles have been helped by the healthy state of the used market.