Business activity in Germany's private sector picked up slightly in February, driven by a steady performance in services and reduced drag from manufacturing, according to a survey published on Friday. The HCOB German flash composite Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose to 51.0 in February from 50.5 in January, marking a nine-month high and above the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a reading of 50.8.