Alcon enjoys ‘extremely successful’ 2010

Alcon has published its financial results for 2010, with the company hailing its growth during the last 12 months.

The eye health specialist generated $7.18 billion (4.51 billion pounds) in global sales in the last year, up by 10.5 percent, while net earnings also saw a double-digit percentage increase.

Its pharmaceutical division saw the fastest rate of year-on-year growth, driven by the continuing success of its glaucoma franchise and the increased demand for allergy treatments from the US.

Kevin Buehler, Alcon's president and chief executive officer, described 2010 as an "extremely successful year" that also saw the company agree a deal to merge with Novartis.

When the move goes ahead, Alcon will become Novartis' second-largest division, part of an organisation that will control 70 percent of the total vision care market.

Mr Buehler said: "I believe we can successfully leverage Alcon's leadership position in the eye care specialty segment with the scale and broad-based expertise of Novartis to create a stronger eye care business."