Video-search engine blinkx sees H1 beating view

LONDON, UK: Video-search engine blinkx said it expected to beat market expectations for the first half after it doubled revenue thanks to increasing numbers of searches and partnerships with the BBC and AccuWeather.

The group, which was spun-off from software firm Autonomy, said it would report revenue for the six months to end-September of about $27 million and operating profit of more than $1 million, beating analysts' predictions of $630,000.

Company founder and Chief Executive Suranga Chandratillake said the group would benefit from rapid growth in video advertising, noting that eMarketer estimates this market to jump by almost 500 percent over the next four years to $11.3 billion.

"We expect to further accelerate the growth of our business and given our market position remain confident of the outlook," he said in a statement on Monday.

Shares in blinkx have more than quadrupled since Jan. 1, and closed at 74.24 pence on Friday.