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UPDATE 1-Sarna sees 30 pct 2002 profit gain

(Adds profit forecast from CFO)

ZURICH, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Swiss plastics maker Sarna plans to exceed last year's profits of 30.7 million Swiss francs by at least 30 percent in 2002, Chief Financial Officer Joerg Riboni told Reuters on Tuesday.

"I am convinced that we will make 30 percent more profit after taxes in 2002," Riboni said, noting however that the sales goal of one billion francs set in April would be hard to reach on account of the franc's strength.

"We should get close to the billion francs though," he said.

An exact sales forecast was difficult on account of the disposal of the Sarnatech division and the impact of currency movements, Riboni added. Almost 90 percent of total sales are made in dollars and euros.

In 2001, sales reached 956 million francs. First-half net profit at Sarna was in line with analyst expectations at 20 million Swiss francs, up from 16.2 million in the same 2001 period.

Operating profit increased to 26.2 million francs from 25.3 million. Sales rose slightly to 476.5 million francs from 473.8 million in the first six months of the previous year.

"In view of the difficult conditions within the individual markets, Sarna regards the result as good," said the firm which supplies the car, civil engineering and construction industries.

Shares traded 1.7 percent higher at 1145 GMT at 152 francs and have lost over 10 percent so far this year.