Textile trader Linmark Group expects profit from its European markets to double in three years, following the success of the group's expansion in the region. The company's newly acquired business Tamarind, an integrated sourcing service provider with a mainly European client base, had a higher turnover and profit margin than Linmark's in the first four months since December when it began to operate. 'We hope to double the top line in shipment volume and the bottom line in net profit in three years through acquisitions and the Tamarind operation,' chief executive Steven Feniger said after the announcement of the firm's 2004-05 results yesterday. In the year to April, turnover from Europe increased from US$6 million last year to US$22.5 million, accounting for 25 per cent of the group's turnover and overtaking the United States as the firm's largest revenue contributor. Despite the uncertainties over the mainland's apparel export quotas, Mr Feniger was confident the group could post positive growth. 'It is going to affect our business but in a positive way,' he said. 'It is going to make it more complicated for our customers and when things are more complicated, our customers need us more, so we feel quite upbeat about the change.' Increased operating expenses of the newly acquired businesses, additional staff costs and lower interest income have trimmed profit. Mr Feniger said the company was committed to controlling its operating expenses this year, including closing its offices in Toronto, New York and Manchester. Linmark is a one-stop global agent specialising in sourcing apparel and home products for retail operators, household brand names, wholesalers and department stores. Its turnover climbed 102.6 per cent to US$89.8 million, while shipments rose 4.7 per cent to US$747.5 million. Net profit was flat at US$14.7 million, against US$14.6 million last year. Basic earnings per share remained at 2.3 US cents.