Havas sticks to guidance as North America offsets China weakness

July 23 (Reuters) - French advertising company reported on Thursday first-half organic net revenue growth of 2.5% and maintained its full-year guidance, with strong North American trading offsetting continued weakness in China and the Middle East.

• North America, which accounts for 35% of net revenue, delivered the group's strongest regional performance with 6.9% organic growth in the first half, supported by momentum across its creative and media businesses

• First half net revenue rose 1.2% to €1.36 billion

• Second-quarter net revenue increased 3.8% to €724 million, helped by acquisitions and a lower negative currency impact

• First half adjusted EBIT of €150 million, lifting the margin by 30 basis points to 11%

(Reporting by Zakarya Meliani and Leo Marchandon; Editing by Matt Scuffham)