Compaq Computer Corporation has reported a 43 per cent rise in profits after tax to $350 million (£218 million) for the third quarter. The parent company of Compaq Ireland reported a 25 per cent rise in sales to $4.5 billion while earnings per share rose to $1.25 from $0.89.

Margins improved to 23.8 per cent, according to Compaq president and chief operating officer, Mr Eckhard Pfeiffer. General manager of Compaq Ireland, Mr Tom Keating said the company was Still organised to meet the current and future needs of its customers. Sales through the Irish subsidiary had grown at a faster rate than group sales, he said.

The Irish sales operation is based in Dublin and employs eight people. Compaq Computer Corporation was formed in 1982 and manufactures servers, desktop, portable and notebook personal computers.