French transport, logistics and media group Bollore SA (BOL.FR) said Tuesday first-half net profit soared to EUR165 million from EUR42 million a year earlier, on a substantial rise in the company's share in the profits of affiliates.

The company, which is controlled by French financier Vincent Bollore, said its share of profits in affiliates rose to EUR146 million in the first half from EUR34 million a year earlier, particularly in regard to media services groups Havas SA (HAV.FR) and Aegis Group PLC (AGS.LN).

Revenue rose 12% to EUR3.29 billion.

Bollore said net profit was also helped by lower interest rates and a narrower debt. Operating profit rose 35% to EUR114 million.

The company said its portfolio of share investments rose to EUR1.6 billion by June 30. The companies in the portfolio include French seamless pipes group Vallourec SA, as well as Havas and Aegis. Including investments in Italy's Mediobanca Spa (MB.MI) and Assicurazioni Generali SpA (G.MI), the stock market portfolio total was valued at EUR1.9 billion, it added, without providing comparative figures.

-By A.H. Mooradian, Dow Jones Newswires; +33 1 45017 1740; art.mooradian@dowjones.com

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