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Hermes International 2007 profits rise, ups dividend

Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:35am EDT

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PARIS, March 20 (Reuters) - French luxury goods group Hermes International (HRMS.PA) said on Thursday 2007 net profit rose 7.3 percent, helped by an end-year boost to business and disposals.

The maker of trademark silks and handbags said net profit rose to 288 million euros ($452.7 million) from 268.4 million in 2006, partly lifted by an exceptional gain of 9.2 million euros from the disposal of its remaining bonds in camera maker Leica (LCAGk.DE).

Current operating income rose 3.4 percent to 414.5 million euros on already reported sales up 7.3 percent to 1.625 billion euros, said Hermes, which proposed to increase its dividend by 5 percent to one euro a share.

(Reporting by Marie Maitre)



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