A Dutch company that uses super-fast techniques to trade at split-second speeds, and which is co-leading a lobby group representing the controversial practice of high-frequency trading, said today that its profits almost doubled in 2010 as it outlined a new strategy to expand into new markets.

IMC, the Amsterdam-headquarted firm, reported that its net profits were up 97% to €51.7m for 2010, according to accounts filed with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce earlier this month. Revenues rose 29% to €273m, while operating costs increased by 14.7% to €202m.