Lion Nathan first-half profit rises 6.9 pct

MELBOURNE May 20 (Reuters) - Lion Nathan Ltd LNN.AX, Australia second-biggest brewer, said on Wednesday that its first half profit rose 6.9 percent, confirming its unaudited results released last month.

Lion Nathan, which will be taken over by its major shareholder, Japanese brewer Kirin Holdings (2503.T), said profit for the six months ended March 31 was A$176 million ($136 million).

The group also reiterated last month's revised outlook for a full year net profit after tax of A$305 million to A$315 million, before significant items.