DCC hopes to be in business in China later this year and has sent a team of its executives to Beijing to consider possible acquisitions, according to managing director, Mr Jim Flavin.

The group, which has interests in the healthcare, food, and computer sectors, is seeking acquisitions in all of its core areas, he told shareholders at its annual general meeting yesterday.

DCC is performing well with trading running ahead of last year's, he told shareholders at its annual general meeting yesterday.

In the last two months, Mr Flavin said operating profits had risen sharply, pointing to encouraging signs for a good performance in 1997. "All four divisions got off to a good start, with the computer division, DCC SerCom, enjoying particularly strong growth," he said.