PARIS, Sept 26, 2007 (AFP) - The French media and advertising group Havas on Wednesday reported a sharp rise in first half profit.

Havas said first half net earnings came to 35 million euros (49 million dollars), a 70.6 percent gain over the same period of 2006.

Operating earnings rose 16.9 percent to 75 million euros from sales of 729 million euros, up 4.4 percent from first half 2006. The operating margin came to 10.3 percent.