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Lego profits boosted by new launches

Lego had over 300 sets on the market in the first half of the year
Lego had over 300 sets on the market in the first half of the year

Lego said new launches such as its Jurassic World and Elves sets helped boost half-year profits at the world's best-selling toy firm. 

The Danish company said products linked to this year's Universal Pictures action film release and its new fantasy sets helped pre-tax profits jump by a quarter to 4.6 billion Danish krone (€616m) in the six months to June. 

These figures helped privately-owned Lego extend its lead over Barbie doll-maker Mattel, which it overtook last year to become the biggest toy firm in the world. 

Lego said it had over 300 sets on the market in the first half of the year, with its City, Creator, Technic and Star Wars sets continuing to sell strongly. 

Lego president and chief executive Jorgen Vig Knudstorp said the profits boost was especially pleasing, coming after the strong performance it enjoyed as a result of last year's Lego Movie, released by Warner Brothers. 

"We are pleased that we have again been able to develop exciting and fun play experiences that really appeal to children all over the world. A strong performance across the entire product range enabled us to deliver a highly satisfactory result for the first half of 2015," Mr Knudstorp said. 

The group said it saw double-digit sales growth in all of its regions, adding that Asia was its strongest performer. 

It also added that the firm now employs more than 15,000 people worldwide, an increase of more than 50% over the last five years.