The Financial Times Group, part of Pearson PLC (PSON.LN), increased the cover price of the Financial Times this week to GBP2 from GBP1.80.

"This price increase reflects our increased distribution and production cost levels and the investment made (in content)," the company said Tuesday in a statement.

The cover price for the Saturday edition rose to GBP2.50 last weekend from GBP2.30.

The cover price for the Monday to Friday edition has doubled in the last two years.

The cover price increases "will certainly provide a cushion" if advertising declines continue Citi said in an investor note, adding it doesn't see the FT turning to a loss.

Company Web site: www.ft.com

-By Erica Herrero-Martinez, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 (0)20 7842 9353; erica.herrero-martinez@dowjones.com