Sussex-based Rentokil Initial, the ratcatcher-to-tropical plants group, today said an overhaul had protected it from the worst of the downturn.

Rentokil launched the shake-up just over two years ago after missing growth targets for the first time in 17 years.

It has since sold off a tranche of businesses as well as boosting divisions through acquisitions, and focuses on core areas such as hygiene, security, pest control and tropical plants.

Chief executive Sir Clive Thompson said the overhaul had made the company more focused.

Group turnover from continuing operations jumped from £2.09 billion to £2.24 billion, with all divisions showing revenue growth.

However, because a number of businesses were sold during the year, bottom-line pre-tax profits slipped from £401.1 million to £374.3 million.

Shares in the group, based in East Grinstead, lifted 2p at 263p in early trading.