Reckitt says profits rocket 48%

Net earnings jumped to £303 million (€340 million, $442 million) in the three months to the end of March, compared with the same period of 2008, Reckitt said in a results statement.

The company added that total revenues swelled 27% to £1.911 billion, aided by sales of products including Vanish stain remover and Dettol surface cleaner.

"Reckitt Benckiser had a strong quarter ... This growth came across all areas," chief executive Bart Becht said in the release.

"While we are encouraged by this positive start to the year, the market backdrop clearly remains challenging."

Reckitt, which also makes Nurofen headache treatments, added that it was targeting sales growth of 4% in the current financial year.

The share price of Reckitt showed a gain of 1.61% to 2,720 pence in afternoon London trade after publication of the results.

London's FTSE 100 index, on which the group is traded, dipped 2.13% to 4,078.15 points.

Source: AFP

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