Blue-chip staffing agency Robert Walters has posted a healthy pre-tax profit rise and increased shareholder dividend in its 2005 results.

The global recruiter announced that overall profit rose 57% from 2004 to £12.69m, while shareholders can expect 3.40p per share on 26 May 2006.

The Asia Pacific and European operations fared well, recording profits of £8.8m (up £3.5m), and £2.2m (up £1.8m) respectively.

However the UK business didn't share the company's success, reporting a £0.5m drop in profits to £1.7m, and a drop in net assets from £5.9m to £3.4m by the end of 2005.