First Derivatives, the Newry based provider of software and consulting services, said on Monday that trading in the first half of its financial year has been strong, with both revenue and earnings (EBITDA)” significantly ahead” of the prior year.

In a trading statement, the company said that as a result, the group’s full year performance is expected to be in line with current market forecasts.

First Derivatives also said that it has received $6.5m (£4.2m) net of tax in respect of a shareholding in 1010data, following that company’s recent acquisition by Advance/Newhouse.

Brian Conlon, chief executive officer of FD, said: “Following the acquisition of Kx Systems in October 2014 the group has continued to work towards maximising the opportunities this transformational deal has provided. As well as strengthening our position within capital markets we are making good progress in new markets and 1010data’s use of kdb highlights the potential in sectors such as manufacturing and telecoms. We remain focused on delivering strong, profitable growth while investing in FD’s future.”