MILAN (Reuters) - Italian luxury group Brunello Cucinelli on Thursday said its operating profit had risen 12.9% last year and confirmed expectations for sales growth of around 10% in 2025 and 2026.

Earning before interest and taxes (EBIT) came in at 212 million euros ($230.40 million), slightly below an analysts' forecast of 214 million euros, according to LSEG data.

"The first quarter of the year is drawing to an end with very, very positive results", the group's founder and Executive Chairman Brunello Cucinelli said in a statement.

($1 = 0.9201 euros)