STOCKS NEWS UK-Britvic sparkles on summer sales boost

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07:47GMT 14July2009-Britvic sparkles on summer sales boost

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Shares in Britvic (BVIC.L) rise 4.2 percent as the soft drinks maker says it expects full-year earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to exceed market forecasts after strong trading in the third and fourth quarter to date.

JP Morgan lifts its full-year EBIT forecast to 108.8 million pounds, from 104.9 million, and its earnings per share forecast by 5 percent in 2009 and 3 percent thereafter after the update from the firm, whose brands include Tango and Robinsons.

"Clearly this growth is driven by a very positive weather dynamic when contrasted with the softer comparative period," says analyst Mike Gibbs, adding it also reflects Britvic's ongoing superior execution versus competitors.

Altium also raises its EBIT estimate to about 110 million pounds, from 101.6 million, saying that while Ireland remains challenging, the British and International businesses continue to perform very strongly.

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Reuters messaging rm://paul.sandle.reuters.com@reuters.net

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