BERLIN, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Rising output and fresh orders drove Germany's private sector back to growth in August after 11 months of contraction, final data from a key survey of purchasing managers confirmed on Thursday.
Final figures for the Markit PMI showed a headline composite measure of business activity rising to 54.0 in August from 49.0 in July -- a broad jump past the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction.
The data followed a flash estimate released earlier this month that had shown the composite measure -- which covers both the manufacturing and services sectors -- posting a reading of 54.2.
A sub-index tracking new business across the private sector rose to 51.6 in August from 47.6 in July. The flash estimate had shown it posting 51.5.
The headline PMI covering the service sector rose to 53.8 in August from July's 48.1, with the final reading just below the flash estimate of 54.1. Data compiler Markit said this was the biggest single monthly gain since the series began in June 1997.
"The rise in the headline (services) index was driven by improved performances in the financial intermediation, renting and business activities, and transport and storage sectors," Markit said in a statement.
The sub index tracking business expectations in the service sector was confirmed in final data to have risen to its highest level in almost four years, hitting 61.8 in August after posting a 54.4 reading in July.
(Reporting by Brian Rohan; Editing by Victoria Main)