Battery maker Saft H1 sales up 1.4 percent

PARIS, July 24 (Reuters) - French battery maker Saft (S1A.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) posted a 1.4 percent rise in half-year sales to 306.4 million euros ($482.1 million).

The group said on Thursday sales were up 7.2 percent at constant exchange rates. Saft's key industrial battery segment grew 8.6 percent in the first half, generating sales of 149.2 million, up from 137.3 million euros in the same period last year, as the sector gained from continuing strength in the industrial standby power market.

Revenues from its specialty battery group were down 3.4 percent at 117.6 million from 121.7 million euros, but was up 3.5 percent at constant exchange rates.

The group expects 2008 sales to be towards the top of the sales guidance of 4 to 6 percent growth at constant exchange rates.

(Reporting by Jessica Mead)