Athens, Aug 28 - Greek dairy group Delta Holdings said on Monday its first-half net profit rose 17.7 percent to 25.3 million euros ($32.4 million) on higher financial income and improved operating earnings.
Group sales, not including ice cream, rose 2.1 percent to 288.5 million euros.
The group said the sale of its ice cream unit, Delta Ice Creams to Nestle Hellas, reduced overall debt to 95.8 from 352.2 million euros, boosting equity by 57 million euros as a result of a capital gain.
Delta will change its corporate name to Vivartia after it completes its merger with snacks maker Chipita and absorbs subsidiaries Goody's , Uncle Stathis .
Last month Delta reached a preliminary deal to buy 45.8 percent of Cypriot Christies Dairies at 0.3 Cypriot pounds a share.