** Shares of SSP Group SSPG.L jump as much as 13.2% to 183.53p, stock top pct gainer on FTSE 250 .FTMC index

** The cafe, bar and restaurant chain operator posts 23% jump in FY core profit, in line with company-compiled analysts' estimates

** The London-based co's year-end net debt stood at 593 mln pounds, below the 610-630 mln pounds guided previously

** Co also doubles its FY operating profit margin target to 3% for its struggling Continental European unit

** Currently stock up 11.8%, cutting YTD losses to ~23%

($1 = 0.7906 pounds)

(Reporting by Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru)

((abyjose.koilparambil@thomsonreuters.com))