UPDATE 1-Bidvest Q1 profit better, says conditions tough

* Says conditions tough in S.Africa

* Says auto sector "levelled out"

* Bid Industrial, Commercial under-performing

* UK-based Ontime breaking even

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JOHANNESBURG, Nov 26 (Reuters) - South Africa's Bidvest (BVTJ.J) said it made better profit in the first quarter to end-September as economic recovery in its key markets boosted demand for its products and services.

"Most of the divisions have, during the quarter to September 2009, achieved better profit," Bidvest Chief Executive Officer Brian Joffe said in statement posted on the company's website on Thursday.

Bidvest, whose activities cover auto retailing, freight services and food distribution, has suffered in recent times as slower economic growth in Europe, Asia and South Africa hit demand for its products and services.