Wolters Kluwer says Europe challenging, keeps forecast
* H1 ordinary EBITA up 2 pct, revenue flat
* Sees 2010 EPS at 1.41-1.45 euros, EBITA margin 20-21 pct
* Says Europe remains challenging, recovery in North America
(Adds CEO comment, detail, background)
AMSTERDAM, July 28 (Reuters) - Dutch publisher Wolters Kluwer (WLSNc.AS) said on Wednesday it saw a continued recovery of its North American business, while Europe would remain challenging after it reported first half results in line with forecasts.
Wolters Kluwer's first half earnings before taxes and amortisation (EBITA), excluding exceptional items rose 2 percent to 328 million euros ($423.4 million) from a year earlier, confirming an earlier update.
Profit was driven by cost reductions and recovery in its healthcare ad financial units.
Wolters Kluwer publishes professional information in legal, tax, and scientific fields. Its main rivals are Reed Elsevier (REL.L)(ELSN.AS) and Thomson Reuters (TRI.TO).
Wolters Kluwer is active in the fiercely competitive legal market, which includes Thomson Reuters' Westlaw products as well as Reed Elsevier's LexisNexis.
Wolters Kluwer kept its outlook for 2010 earnings per share of 1.41 to 1.45 euros.
The publishr also reiterated its outlook for EBITA margins, excluding special items of 20 to 21 percent, driven by a restructuring programme, which is expected to yield 125 million euros in savings this year.
($1=.7746 Euro)
(Reporting by Harro ten Wolde)
((harro.tenwolde@reuters.com; Reuters Messaging: harro.tenwolde.reuters.com@reuters.net; +31 20 504 5017)) Keywords: WOLTERSKLUWER/
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