CLL.L Share News (CLL)

Shares in marketing services group Cello surged 9% as it said 2009 profit fell as clients cut spending but trading since the start of 2010 has been good.Headline pre-tax profit fell to £5.1m for the year to 31 December 2009 from £7.3m the year before. Revenue from continuing operations dropped 8% to £126.7m.Cello has recommended a final dividend of 0.80p per share, taking the total to 1.30p, up 4% from the year before.Chief executive Mark Scott commented, "2009 was a demanding year. However, a combination of our very tight cost control and a better final six months for our Research and Consulting business gives us the confidence to increase our dividend."He added, "We are leaner, more focused, with real strength in our core Research and Consulting activities. Long standing client relationships remain robust and gearing has been materially reduced. This puts us in a strong position to expand again." Cello said it has renewed its banking facilities with The Royal Bank of Scotland until March 2013.