LONDON (Reuters) British luxury fashion group Mulberry said it was breaking through as an international brand and full-year profit would beat forecasts amid soaring sales of its trademark leather handbags.

Chief executive Godfrey Davis told Reuters the group would continue its drive into overseas markets, and expected the number of stores and concessions abroad, currently 38, to overtake the 44 it has in Britain during the next 12 months. “As a result of the increasing international knowledge of the brand, we are getting a lot more tourist business in our shops as well. The message is spreading out,” Davis said.

Mulberry said it remained cautious about the global economic environment, though there was little sign this was affecting demand for its handbags, which mostly cost £500 to £900 ($790 to $1,425).

Pre-tax profit tripled to £4.7 million in the six months to September 30, including a 29 percent rise in sales at stores open at least a year and a 76 percent increase in wholesale shipments.

Mulberry, which employs around 800 people, said it was expanding its factory in Somerset, southwest England, to meet growing demand, creating 60 jobs.