(Reuters) – Orange on Thursday reported third-quarter profit that was slightly ahead of market expectations, driven by a strong performance by its Africa and Middle East business.

The French telecom operator posted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization after leases (EBITDAaL), excluding Spain, of 3.35 billion euros ($3.61 billion). That was slightly above the 3.34 billion forecast by analysts in a company-compiled consensus.

($1 = 0.9267 euros)