Wembley plc, the gaming and track-based entertainment company, has announced a strong performance in interim figures published today.

The company reported a strong return, with pre-tax profits rising 12.5 per cent on last year to £16.2m, of which principle components were the company's dog track investments in the UK and US. These include the video lottery terminal operation at the Lincoln Park track in Rhode Island, which noted growth in spite of recent US economic slowdown.

Claes Hultman, chair of Wembley, said that the company had been scrutinising its market position and was aiming to focus business interests: We intend to build a substantial and focused business in the gaming industry and, in the process, exit from low yielding, non-core business activities.

The company has already announced intentions to sell the Wembley complex, which showed a loss in the figures.

Hultman added that the company's strategy is to consolidate and build our position in the UK and US track-based gaming industry, building on four core businesses in the UK and the US and the increased exploitation of 24dogs - the company's online facility.