TNS confident in full-year outlook, GfK drops bid

LONDON Aug 27 (Reuters) - British market research group Taylor Nelson Sofres TNS.L reported underlying revenue growth of 5.1 percent for the first half as German peer GfK said it had given up its attempt on a takeover offer.

TNS, which has been fighting off a 1.1 billion-pound ($2 billion) hostile takeover bid from advertising group WPP (WPP.L), said its order book gave it confidence in its full-year target to increase underlying sales by about 6 percent.

Adjusted operating profit, excluding restructuring costs and amortisation of acquired intangible assets, grew 19.6 percent to 54.3 million pounds in the period, TNS said on Wednesday. (Reporting by Georgina Prodhan; Editing by Mike Elliott)