UPDATE: Spark 1H earnings rise 3.5%, bolstered by CCL acquisition, Southern Cross dividends

UPDATE: Spark 1H earnings rise 3.5%, bolstered by CCL acquisition, Southern Cross dividends
Paul McBeth
(Adds detail, fixes reference to earlier guidance in 1st and 3rd paragraphs) By Paul McBeth Feb. 16 (BusinessDesk) - Spark New Zealand lifted first-half earnings 3.5 percent as the acquisition of Computer Concepts Ltd bolstered revenue from its IT services unit and got an early dividend from its stake in the Southern Cross trans-Pacific cable, and affirmed its annual earnings outlook.  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose to $471 million in the six months ended Dec. 31, from $455 million a year earlier, wit...