DUBAI — Dubai-based international port operator DP World says its profit rose 12 percent in 2014, a year in which it assumed ownership of a sister company that runs free-trade zones in the Gulf emirate. The government-backed port operator said Thursday it earned $675 million in profit attributable to its owners last year, up from $604 million in 2013. DP World ranks among the world's largest port operators, with business at more than 65 marine terminals globally. It is heavily focused on fast-growing developing markets, and it runs the Middle East's busiest port, Dubai's Jebel Ali. It says revenue in 2014 rose 11 percent to $3.41 billion. DP World shareholders in December approved a decision to acquire Dubai government-linked free-trade zone operator Economic Zones World for $2.6 billion. — AP
