Luxury goods group Hermes International SA on Friday posted a 12 per cent slide in first half net profit to 84.3 million euros ($94.5m) from 96 million euros in the year-ago period.

    The firm, famous for its silk scarves, said revenue slipped 6.2 per cent to 549 million euros from 585.1 million euros and cited the strength of the euro and war in Iraq for the profit fall.

    It added it has recently noticed an upward sales trend and sees a bright second half.