KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd recorded lower pre-tax profit of RM58.557 million in the second quarter ended June 30, 2012 compared to pre-tax profit of RM75.727 million posted in the same period in 2011.

Revenue improved to RM299.445 million from RM294.254 million during the quarter, the company said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia today.

However, higher operating expenses, finance cost and losses incurred by newly acquired subsidiaries eroded margins, causing pre-tax profit to fall in the quarter, it said.

The company expects the business environment in the media industry to remain highly challenging for the remaining part of the year and will do its best to ensure a satisfactory performance for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2012.