A MOBILE technology firm is targeting global expansion after posting better than expected final results.

Rawtenstall-based 2ergo has announced pre-tax profits of £2.6million for the year ending August 31, up £300,000 on the previous period.

The company provides services using mobile phone technology, such as news and entertainment services on text message.

Turnover was also up 13 per cent to £33.3million.

The increase in profits comes despite 2ergo issuing a cautious trading statement following a number of high-profile phone vote scandals involving TV shows.

Programmes including GMTV and Richard and Judy, were shamed over issues such as letting viewers enter contests which they had no chance of winning.

2ergo also had absorb £863,000 of charges and losses, £400,000 of which was connected to the acquisition and restructuring of US mobile technology firm Proteus Inc.

Other highlights included the de-merger of the firm's 2safeguard brand - which lets, buy and pay for goods securely using their mobile phones - to form Broca.

2ergo also developed new interactive messaging which allows personalised texts to be sent to the recipient.

Companies including estate agent Rightmove and travel firm Thomas Cook have signed up to the scheme.

In the next year 2ergo is extending its deal with US-based News Corporation, owner of FOX - which produces shows including The Simpsons, American Idol and 24 - to provide mobile marketing to more than 100 FOX brands.

The firm is to also launch a similar deal in South America with Azteca TV.

2ergo was set up in 1999 and employs 80 staff worldwide with offices in London, Washington, New York, and Argentina.

Neale Graham, joint chief executive said: "These results have been achieved despite additional pressures on the board required to successfully complete several large projects.

"We are extremely pleased with the level of success we are achieving in North America.

"We now look forward to repeating this success through ongoing investment in South America."