Revenue and profits jumped at Chester-based identify verification specialist GBG, which works with the likes of Nike, HSBC, Harrods and Bentley, during its latest financial year as it wiped out its debt of £35m.
The listed group has reported a revenue of £217m for the 12 months to March 31, 2021, up from the £199m it achieved in the prior year.
Its adjusted operating profits also increased from £48m to £58m over the same period.
The group now has cash of £21m compared to a debt of £35m in the prior year.
GBG is expected to release its full year results in June.
The figures come after the group agreed at the start of April to sell its Employ and Comply business to a global background check company headquartered in the USA.
Chief executive Chris Clark said: "I am very pleased with the performance of the business in FY21. We made significant financial and strategic progress in the most extraordinary circumstances and my thanks go to all GBG team members whose tireless work has enabled this.
"Although Covid-related uncertainties remain front of mind, we are encouraged by the global easing of lockdowns and the pace of vaccinations in some of our key geographies.
"One legacy of the pandemic will be accelerated digitalisation. GBG will play a major role in this transition and over the next year we will continue to make important strategic investments in the business, its technology and in our people to fully leverage the opportunity this presents.
"I look forward to providing more details at the time of our full year results announcement."
GBG also works with the likes of Tesco, IBM, PayPal and Waitrose.
