The FINANCIAL -- French electrical engineering and power-management company Schneider Electric SA Wednesday said it expects flat to slightly positive organic sales growth in 2012 as it reported a rise in net profit.

According to London Stock Exchange, net profit rose 5.8% to EUR1.82 billion, in line with forecasts, while sales gained 14% to EUR22.39 billion, lifted by investments and strategic acquisitions.

Operating margin was 14.2%, in line with a 14% forecast from the company, down from 15% in 2010, dented by rising commodity prices.

Under the guidance of Chief Executive Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Schneider Electric has moved from a manufacturer of low-voltage electronic devices, such as panel boards, switches and circuit breakers, to a service company that provides customers with bundled deals of equipments plus services and software to stabilize electricity supply and optimize electricity consumption.

Shares closed Tuesday at EUR47.84.

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