Bata India Limited (BIL) has posted around 40% increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT) during the last fiscal.

The country's leading footwear recorded nearly 11 per cent surged in its turnover during the same period.

While declaring the company's last year financial results and that of the last quarter's (ending on December 31) during the 77th Annual General Meeting, BIL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Marcelo Vilagran stated that the directors also declared a 30% for the company's stockholders for the year under review.

Mr. Vilagran, flanked by BIL Chairman P M Sinha, said, ''In fact it was the highest dividend announced so far by the company for its shareholders,'' Mr Vilagran, flanked by BIL Chairman P M Sinha, said.

Mr. Vilagran said that the PBT for 2009 increased to Rs 1002.6 million and the total turnover went up to Rs 11,126 million.

During the last quarter, the Profit Before Tax increased by 66.9% to Rs 386.58 million and the company's turnover during the same quarter zoomed 12.9 per cent to Rs 2880.90 million.

He added that around 76 new outlets were launched in 2009. In addition, 40 existing outlets were renovated and countrywide distribution network set up to harness the huge market potential within the country.

Moreover, Bata India is also making plans to invest Rs 150-200 crore by 2013 to open new large format stores and renovate existing ones. (With Inputs from Agencies)