Bunzl profit meets forecasts, says prospects good

LONDON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - British packaging group Bunzl Plc (BNZL.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) met forecasts with a 3 percent rise in 2007 profit on Monday and said its prospects for this year were good.

The group, which supplies products ranging from carrier bags to builders' hard hats, said it made a profit before tax and goodwill of 215.5 million pounds ($423.4 million) last year, up 8 percent at constant exchange rates.

Forecasts ranged from 210 million to 219.8 million pounds, with an average of 214.5 million, according to a Reuters Estimates poll of analysts. (Reporting by Bate Felix, Editing by Mark Potter)