Colds and flu boost Reckitt Benckiser

Revenues climbed by 7% to £2.52bn in the first three months of this year compared with the same period a year earlier, Reckitt said in a trading update.

The London-listed group added that its performance was boosted by strong over-the-counter sales of Mucinex decongestant medicine and Strepsils throat lozenges.

"We are pleased with a strong start to the year, with our health and hygiene brands leading Reckitt Benckiser's growth across all geographies," said chief executive Rakesh Kapoor.

He added: "Mucinex and Strepsils have done particularly well, benefitting from a higher incidence of flu in the United States."

Kapoor said that the group experienced solid sales of Dettol surface cleaners, Durex condoms and Nurofen pain relief pills.

The British-based company cautioned over challenging market conditions but remained "confident" that it would achieve annual revenue growth of between 5.0% and 6.0%.

Reckitt had bought US-based Schiff Nutrition for US$1.4bn last year in a move which strengthened its position in the consumer health sector.

Reckitt's other key brands also include Air Wick air fresheners, Finish dishwasher tablets and Harpic toilet cleaners.

Source: AFP via I-Netbridge