Paris-based GdF Suez has posted quarterly earnings before tax of €10.4 billion, or up 19 percent over a year ago on on energy prices rising in France to offset supplier costs.

The result came on revenues of €58.8 billion, up 18 percent over the same span a year ago, when Gaz de France and SUEZ were still separate companies.

Some €2.2 billion more in global gas sales, up to €7.85 billion, aslo helped. Natural gas sales rose six percent to 188 TWh.

Corporate change has brought debt-financed growth, although the sale of infrastructure owner Distrigas went a long way to offsetting bond debt. The €2.7 billion proceeds won’t show up in company accounts until Q4 2008.

Tags: GDF SUEZ Energy International