Imprint chief executive Brian Hamill (right) says he wants to enter the French and German markets.

“It will probably be by acquisition,” he told Recruiter. Last year, Imprint acquired Morgan McKinley for £24.8m. Hamill said he is also likely to set up a branch of Morgan McKinley in Dublin in the next few months, to take advantage of the booming asset management industry.

Hamill spoke as Imprint reported a pre-tax profit of £4.5m for 2005, up from £1.3m in 2004.

About 85% of profit still comes from the UK, but Hamill says the overseas element will soon rise to about 40% following an aggressive expansion policy.

The net fee income of the ongoing UK businesses, mainly Imprint Search & Selection and WoodHamill, grew 58% to £10.5m. On the UK and European business, Hamill said: “The proportion of total UK revenues derived from retained work continued to increase, reflecting improved confidence in the markets in which we operate.”

Imprint further expanded in the UK by opening an office in Edinburgh at the end of 2005.

Imprint also acquired Accreate, a financial recruitment specialist based in Hamill's native Ireland. Hamill said it was performing ahead of expectations.

Imprint's turnover rose to £54.8m, from £7.9m, mostly as a result of acquisitions. The company has net cash of £3.1m, and a total headcount of 387, including 310 fee-earners.

The Asian operations moved into profit, from a marginal loss. The Morgan McKinley brand now operates in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Hamill said trading had continued to be strong in the first few weeks of 2006, and he forecast a robust market for financial staff.