Close Brothers posted a record pre tax profit of 157 million pounds for the 2006 financial year, slightly above consensus estimates, boosted by strength in all its businesses, the UK bank said on Monday.

The mid tier investment bank reported a strong performance at its asset management arm, where profits rose 21 percent to 38 million pounds in the 12 months to July 31.

Its corporate finance arm enjoyed record profits of 17 million pounds, Close Brothers said in a statement.

We're firing on all cylinders, said Chief Executive Colin Keogh.

The group's securities arm, which includes retail market maker Winterflood, boosted profits by 28 percent to 21.8 million pounds.

Keogh said that its diversity of businesses all of which are in good shape would help it withstand an economic slowdown.

In its banking division Close Brothers said it saw no immediate improvement in its premium finance business but added that this had been widely flagged in the industry.

As a whole bad debts in the banking unit were contained, it said.

United kingdom Investment