Befimmo posts H1 net loss, plans capital increase

* H1 net loss 49.7 million euros

* Planning 140 mln euro capital increase early June

* Confirms dividend forecast

BRUSSELS, May 25 (Reuters) - Belgian property investment group Befimmo (BEFB.BR: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday reported a net loss of 49.73 million euros ($69.6 million) for the six months to March 31 and said it was planning a capital increase.

A Reuters poll of three analysts had produced an average expectation of a net loss of 37 million euros.

The first quarter, when the group reported a 55.5 million euros net loss, was hit by a 45.7 million euros revaluation of property and 18.9 million euros loss from hedging, but the group said its portfolio remained stable in the second quarter.

The group is planning to launch a 140 million euro capital increase on June 4, Chief Executive Benoit De Blieck told a news conference.

De Blieck said the capital increase was aimed at strengthening the group's balance sheet and to enable it to seize potential opportunities to grow.