SABMiller H1 profit up 15 percent to $1.1 billion

LONDON: SABMiller, the world's largest brewer, has reported a 15 percent increase in first-half profits on the back of strong performances in the Americas, Asia and South Africa.

SABMiller, whose brands include Grolsch, Pilsner Urquell and Peroni beers, said Thursday that net profit rose to $1.12 billion from $973 million a year earlier.

The company says it benefited from lower prices for raw materials and higher selling prices on its finished products.

SABMiller said earnings before interest, taxes and amortization were up 27 percent in North America, 22 percent in Asia, 19 percent in Latin America and 18 percent in South Africa.