Law firm Slater and Gordon's expansion in the UK is paying off, driving a 47 per cent rise in half year profit.
As growth in the Australian personal injury market slows, the lawyers have found new revenue streams on British shores.
Slater and Gordon made a net profit of $33.7 million in the six months to December 31, up from $23 million a year earlier.
The growth was driven by a more than doubling in revenue from its UK operations to $118 million, close to the $128 million achieved in its local operations.
"The biggest contributor to earnings growth half-to-half has been the UK personal injury business," chief executive Ken Fowlie said.
Slater and Gordon entered the UK with acquisitions in 2012 and currently employs more people there than in Australia, where it has operated since 1935.
It completed a takeover of Flint Bishop's personal liability business in November to add to a major stake in historic firm Pannone in 2014.
The firm is now buying two more UK businesses - Walker Smith Way and Leo Abse and Cohen - which both specialise in personal injury law, and have operations in Wales.
The two businesses are expected to bring in a combined annual revenue of STG18.7 million ($A36.5 million).
"They secure a stronger foothold for us in Wales - where we were underway," Mr Fowlie said.
"They also have strong exposure to the trade union market through longstanding relationships."
In Australia, compensation law has become increasingly competitive, Mr Fowlie said.
But the regulations regarding people's rights have also become more sophisticated, which adds to demand.
"It's an interesting dynamic," he said. "We still see there is headroom for growth."
A focus on diversifying its general law practice, which includes family law and conveyancing, was also benefiting the company's Australian operations.
Slater and Gordon said it still expects to achieve full year revenue of more than $500 million.
Its shares gained 57 cents, or 8.6 per cent, to $7.18.
SLATER AND GORDON'S UK EXPANSION LIFTS PROFIT
* Half year profit of $33.7m, up 47 pct from $22.9m in 2013/14
* Revenue of $245m, up 38 pct from $178m
* Interim dividend of 3.5 cents, up from 3 cents
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