Shares in Micro Focus International soared by more than a fifth after the software group upgraded earnings forecasts from its two recent US acquisitions.

A strong end to the first half meant the group was able to forecast interim revenues to October 31 would be $195m, ahead of analysts’ consensus figures of $189m and last year’s total of $135.6m. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation forecasts of $75m were also ahead of expectations at $64m.