Dyno Nobel, the Norwegian explosives company being sold by private equity owner Industri Kapital, has reported a 25% boost in pre-tax profits to $65m (€54.1m) for the six months to June 30. It is expected to be sold for about $1.5bn.

A spokeswoman for Industri Kapital said the next round of bids for the company are due by the end of August. She said Industri Kapital would review all the options including a sale or refinancing in mid-September.