0715 GMT [Dow Jones] Nomura raises its Burberry Group (BRBY.LN) target price to 826p from 818p and maintains a neutral rating following the company's announcement it will buy out its Chinese franchisees' and take control of its operations in that market. The company expects the deal to be broadly earnings-neutral in FY11 and to add GBP20M incremental operating profit in FY12, notes Nomura. It raises FY12 and FY13 EPS earnings estimates by 6-7% to reflect the deal. "We are very encouraged by the deal as we believe it demonstrates that Burberry continues to focus on increasing control of operations and enhancing the brand image," adds Nomura. Shares -0.4% at 796p. ([email protected]) Contact us in London. +44-20-7842-9464 [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 19, 2010 03:15 ET (07:15 GMT)