Alcon’s growth in line with expectations

Alcon’s organic sales growth was in line with expectations, it has asserted.

Excluding the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, global sales increased by 4.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2009, compared to the same period last year, totalling $1,493.3 million (1.02 million pounds).

However, if changing currency rates were not taken into consideration, sales would be 2.8 per cent lower than in 2008.

Net earnings were $452 million for the first three months of this year ? a growth of 5.3 per cent.

The company’s president and chief executive officer Kevin Buehler remarked the results showed a solid performance, despite the current economic downturn.

“We will continue to manage discretionary costs in line with the current market conditions while still investing in brand development and research projects that will fuel future growth,” he commented.

Last month, Alcon launched a website to promote its Patanese nasal spray. The online resource contains information about seasonal allergies and how sufferers can relieve symptoms.

Dr Bobby Lanier, University of North Texas Science Centre, said the site should be beneficial as more people research medical conditions on the internet.