Sanctuary puts on a strong show

STRONG albums from stalwarts such as Kiss and live tours by Robbie Williams and others have helped Sanctuary Group to another bumper year.

Last year was a record one for live gigs in Britain and - while the major record labels tend not to make money on their artistes touring, seeing it as a lossleader for album sales - Sanctuary has specialised in running other peoples' tours and making money from it.

It was involved in a staggering 7,000 shows across Europe, Asia and Australia in 2003 for acts including Dido, Robbie Williams, The Darkness, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Coldplay, to mention just a few from its roster of 350 live acts.

In the coming year, a continuing tour by Iron Maiden, which has already pulled in audiences of more than a million, and new one from Beyonce, are among the highlights.

On the recorded music side, Sanctuary has specialised in looking after older acts who may have bored, or been forgotten by, their original label. Hence another success for Kiss with the double album Alive IV and strong sales for a new Lynyrd Skynyrd album alongside success for newcomers The Libertines with Up The Bracket, which has sold 170,000 copies worldwide to date.

Pre-tax profits before goodwill amortisation rose 20% to £17m in the year to end-September on turnover up 29% at £152m. The dividend is lifted 14% to 0.4p, paid out of earnings per share up 22% at 3.85p.

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