Pirelli 1st-Half Profit Up 2.7 Percent

MILAN, Italy - Pirelli & C. SpA's said Tuesday its first-half net profit rose 2.7 percent, boosted by stronger tire and real estate operations. Milan-based Pirelli said in a statement that its net profit, including discontinued operations, rose to 198.3 million euros ($274.1 million) from 193.1 million euros a year before. The tire-to-real estate group said first-half earnings from continuing operations came to 181.2 million euros ($250.49 million), up 48.6 percent from 121.9 million euros a year earlier.