Experian said it would retain PriceGrabber, its comparison site business, saying a disposal in the current funding environment was "not in the best interests of shareholders".

The financial information group, which put the business under review in February, was updating on trade for the first half and reported revenues up by 13 per cent.

Experian had considered divestment of PriceGrabber and talked to a number of parties. It would continue to strengthen the comparison site's market position by driving volumes and product innovation.

PriceGrabber was bought by GUS more than three years ago for $485m in a bid to beef up its interactive business. It added acquisitions such as LowerMyBills.com and ClassesUSA.com before it was folded into Experian as part of the demerger from GUS in 2006.

Experian has agreed to sell its French transaction processing business to Advent International and Doc@Post, a subsidiary of La Poste, the French postal service. The agree cash consideration is €203m on a debt and cash-free basis. The transaction is expected to complete before the end of 2008, subject to clearance from the French competition authorities.

After taxes and other transaction costs, net proceeds will be about €150m which will be used to repay bank borrowings.

Total revenues for the first half grew by 3 per cent on an organic basis and 11 per cent at constant exchange rates.

In North America, revenues grew by 2 per cent and in the UK and Ireland by 1 per cent, or 4 per cent at constant exchange rates. Growth rates were stronger in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific where revenues were up by 33 per cent while in Latin America revenues grew 157 per cent.

Two fifths of its business comes from US and UK financial services companies, which use its credit checking systems when deciding whether to lend to customers.

Experian said: "This is a dynamic time for the global economy.Our markets are in the midst of significant change, which we expect to last for some time. this new environment will require our clients to strengthen risk management and optimise collections activities across their organisations."