LBG Media plc, the Manchester-based online publisher of LADbible and other brands appealing to young readers, reported higher half-year revenue and profit, boosted by the Euros football tournament and a US acquisition.

The company said revenue reached £42.3 million, up 55% from £27.2 million a year ago, partly from organic growth and partly from the acquisition of Betches, a US site creating social media content primarily for young women.

The Group benefited from a number of successful campaign activations across the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, including Euros-themed editions of the series of “Snack Wars”, sponsored by Uber Eats.

Adjusted EBITDA was £10.2 million, up from £3 million a year ago.

During the period, LBG said it reached a record audience of 494 million globally, with 141 million of that in the US.

“With strong financial performance and positive momentum across our growth lenses of Direct, Indirect and US expansion, management remains confident in the size of the opportunity ahead and the line of sight to £200m of revenue,” the company said. “Given the progress in the period to date the Board is confident in delivering on market expectations for the 12 months to 31 December 2024.”

CEO Solly Solomou said: “Our strong first-half performance demonstrates excellent progress along our line of sight to £200m of revenue and showcases our team’s success in diversifying income and strengthening our operating model. Key sporting event activations and rising audience numbers confirm our position as the number one digital entertainment brand for young adults, a highly sought-after but challenging demographic for marketers.”

“I am more excited than ever by the opportunity that lies ahead, particularly in the US, where we are going from strength to strength and where the complementary nature of our combined businesses is already demonstrating success. Our thoughtful and engaging campaigns, which frequently deploy messages of social responsibility, remain central to our mission.”