Bloomsbury's sales of e-books soar

Image caption, Bloomsbury chief executive Nigel Newton says the industry is seeing a revolution

Publisher Bloomsbury says its sales of e-books has soared as the worldwide popularity of electronic readers rises.

Its comments came as it reported pre-tax profits for the 14 months to 28 February of 拢4.2m.

E-book sales were 拢1.5m, up from 拢79,000 last year, with chief executive Nigel Newton saying they were changing the face of the publishing industry.

"Demand for digital delivery, including e-books, is increasing significantly," Mr Newton said.

"It will change the publishing business model, creating one worldwide market," he added. "The publishing world is handling its own revolution."

Bloomsbury reported profits for a 14-month period as it is changing its financial year. In the 12 months to 31 December 2009 months profits were 拢7.1m.

Total group sales were 拢103.4m for the 14 months to February, compared with 拢87.2m during 2009.