Popular Danish toy maker Lego records strong global half-year growth in profits, revenue

Lego says its popular multi-colored toy blocks were in strong demand in the first half of the year, resulting in good growth in profits and revenue and an upbeat outlook for the full year.

Net profit in the first six months of 2015 was up 30 percent at 3.6 billion kroner ($543 million) while sales grew to 14.1 billion kroner from 11.6 billion kroner a year earlier.

The Danish privately-owned company said Wednesday it has expanded factories worldwide and "significantly increased investments," resulting in double-digit growth in all regions, with strongest demand seen in Asia.

The privately-owned company doesn't release quarterly figures. It is not publicly listed but has published earnings reports since 1997.

Lego employs 15,000 people, up from 12,500 last year.