Newspaper group Reach PLC has enjoyed increased revenue after the acquisition of the Express and Star.
The publisher of the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Mirror titles reported revenue up 4.4% for the four months from 31 December to 28 April.
It expects performance for the year to be in line with market expectations after on a like for like basis, revenue for the four months fell by 6.4%.
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Like for like revenue for print products fell by 7.9%, a slower decline than one year ago, while digital grew by 8.4%, which it expects to grow thank to a series of digital initiatives.
Reach, which also owns Business Insider magazine and website, says it is on track to deliver synergy savings of at least £20 million per annum by 2020 related to the takeover of the Express and Star last year.
Net debt at the end of April of £22.2 million comprised drawings on the Acquisition Term Loan of £39.7 million (reduced from £60.0 million at the year end following early repayment of £20.3 million due in December 2019) less cash balances of £17.5 million.
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Chief executive Simon Fox said: "I am pleased with the solid start to the year and the positive improvement in revenue trends. Our early term loan repayment demonstrates the continued success of the Express & Star acquisition and the strong cash generation of the Group.
"We also continue to make good strategic progress, most importantly with a range of digital projects to drive both page views and revenue, the effects of which we expect to see in the second half of the year."
