British luxury goods group Burberry forecast full-year profit at the top end of market expectations, as it beat forecasts with a 27 per cent rise in third-quarter revenue, showing growth in all regions.

The 155-year-old maker of raincoats and handbags said today revenue, excluding its restructuring Spanish business, rose to £470 million in the three months to December 31st.

That compared with an average forecast of £434 million, according to a company poll of 11 analysts, and £362 million in the 2009 period.

Burberry, best known for its camel, red and black check pattern, said it saw strong consumer demand in both its retail and wholesale divisions, with double-digit growth across all product divisions.

"As a result, we now expect adjusted profit before tax for the current financial year to be at the top end of market expectations," said chief executive Angela Ahrendts.

"Ongoing initiatives in retail, digital, product development and new markets underpin our confidence in the future."

Burberry shares have surged 82 per cent over the past year, periodically lifted by bid speculation. The stock closed at 1,059 pence yesterday, valuing the business at £4.6 billion.

Reuters