Vodafone 2009 Profits Double

UK business telephone leader Vodafone announced Tuesday a sharp increase in profits was achieved mainly by rising incomes in emerging markets in Asia and Africa, the company said.

Before tax for the year end of March a total of 8.7 billion pounds ($ 12.6 billion), more than double that reported in the previous year.

The company has 341 million customers and 8.5 million were added during the last three months.

"We are creating a stronger Vodafone, which is located at the back of revenue growth in 2011 was the year of economic recovery could take advantage of our key markets," Vodafone chief executive Vittorio Colao said.

Vodafone had been a focus on emerging markets, India offers a strong growth in turnover, "he said. The company reported a turnover of some of its more established European markets.