Quarto may beat expectations as Brazil explodes

Specialist book publisher Quarto says it could beat expectations for the full year after a strong performance in the third quarter.The company, whose titles range from arts and crafts publications to cookbooks, saw pre-tax profits rise to £3.6m in the nine months to September 30, from £3.1m over the same period the previous year. Revenues climbed to £81.5m from £74.7m, the company said.Having seen 'explosive' growth in Brazil and Russia growing steady, Quarto now has its sights on the other BRICs, India and China. 'Our business remains solid and we are comfortable that we shall meet or improve upon our expectations for the full year,' said chairman and chief executive Laurence Orbach, though he added, 'Conditions do remain extremely demanding.'