local wholesaler DE Mortimer & Co. Ltd.

DE Mortimer started as an institutional chemical company in 1960 but has evolved into a wholesale company with a diverse range of products including dry goods and food products. The company is based in Harvey Road, Paget.

"The integration of the company into BAS Ltd. fits well with our strategic plan to diversify into areas that support and enhance our core business,'' a BAS spokesman said.

"We are pleased to report that the management of DE Mortimer who continue to hold a substantial holding in the company have been retained as has the long-servng staff, ensuring a smooth transition and no interruption in service to their substantial list of clients.'' BAS' push to diversify operations has helped boost its profits by 51 percent.

Earlier this year the company declared net income of $1.5 million or $1.42 a share for the year to March 31, 1999 compared to $992,278 in the previous financial year.

Company chairman Neville Conyers noted Aircraft Services Bermuda Ltd. and the Crow Lane Bakery Ltd. operations had a combined 16 percent increase in revenue.