US litigation fund manager Burford Capital more than doubled its pre-tax profits in 2012, as its UK business contributed "handsomely" to a "splendid" year for the firm.

The firm, which offers litigation finance and insurance, saw its profits before tax, acquisition and reorganisation costs jump to $34.1m in 2012, from $15.9m in 2011, according to its year-end results published today.