The UK brokerage Hichens, Harrison & Co said its pre-tax profits rose by 60 per cent in the 12 months to 31 December 2007 from a year before to £5.6 million ($11.2 million). Hichens, which is the subject of a potential takeover bid by India's Religare Enterprises, said in a statement that its revenuues rose by 56 per cent over the year to £21 million. The broker's corporate clients at the end of 2007 stood at 63, up from 52 for the same period a year before. Last year, it acquired ARM Corporate Finance to add further critical mass to its Blomfield Street Securities arm, its Aim nominated advisor and corporate finance advisory business.