The Group has delivered another strong performance in the first half of 2017. Revenue has increased by 12.4% (10.7% on a constant currency basis) and despite input cost challenges faced in the UK, the Group's Profit Before Tax grew by 6.8% with the interim dividend being increased by 12.2%.
Acquisitions are a key component of our strategic growth plan, as demonstrated in recent years with our successful move into frozen beverages via the purchase of The Noisy Drinks Co. Limited and the addition of the Feel Good brand. We are therefore delighted to announce the acquisition of 100% of the shares in DJ Drink Solutions Limited ('DJ') on 2 June 2017. DJ is the largest of our Out of Home dispensed soft drinks distributors covering the North West and North East regions. This acquisition consolidates our route to market in the two regions and is consistent with our successful business model already operating in other regions in the UK.
Reflecting the Board's continued confidence in the outlook for the Group, the Board is pleased to announce an interim dividend of 10.1 pence per share, an increase of 12.2% compared to the prior year (2016: 9.0 pence). The interim dividend will be paid on 25 August 2017 to shareholders registered on 28 July 2017; the ex-dividend date is 27 July 2017.
Following John Longworth's departure at the AGM in April, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Keays to the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 1 September 2017.
Helen has a background in marketing and brings a wealth of non-executive experience to the Board and is currently Senior Independent Director at Domino's Pizza Group plc and a Non- Executive Director and Chair of Remuneration at Communisis plc.