Premium retailer LK Bennett is plotting its launch in China as its profit before finance charges soared 37% to £11m in its last financial year.

However, the retailer, which is 70% owned by private equity groups Phoenix Equity Partners and Sirius Equity, made a £7.3m pre-tax loss after interest payments, although this was lower than the previous year’s £9.7m loss.

Sales surged 15% to £94m over the year to July 2012.

An LK Bennett spokesman told the Mail on Sunday it was “looking very closely” at China and its first deal could be signed by the summer.

“Asia is clearly an untapped opportunity and the potential for us could be enormous,” the spokesman said.

As well as China, the retailer is also eyeing expansion in the US, Europe and the Middle East as it looks to capitalise on the appetite for the brand, a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge, overseas. International sales soared 65% to £20m last year.

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