NORTH Sea-focused Ithaca Energy achieved a near four-fold increase in profits in the first half, during which it was bought by Israel’s Delek in a £1 billion deal. Aberdeen-based Ithaca made $23.8 million (£18.3m) after tax in the six months to June, against $6.2m in the same period last year. The firm has benefited from the start of production from the giant Stella field east of Aberdeen in February and the increase in crude prices since November. First half revenues rose 30 per cent to $75.2m from $57.8m. Delek bought a 13 per cent stake in Aberdeen-based Faroe Petroleum for £43m from Dana Petroleum in December.