Reckitt Benckiser reports strong first half in 2011

Reckitt Benckiser has highlighted the strength of its business performance in the first six months of the current business year.

The company's total net revenue for the half-year grew by 15 percent year on year in constant exchange rate terms to 4.6 billion pounds, which was ahead of its target for the 2011 full-year period.

Particular growth was noted in developing markets, thanks to the rollout of products such as the Dettol No Touch Hand Soap System, while a significant amount has been invested in media and promotional spending.

The company has also made significant progress in its integration of SSL International, which was acquired last year, while completing its buyout of Paras Pharmaceuticals in April 2011.

Bart Becht, chief executive officer of Reckitt Benckiser, said: "We are well-positioned to achieve our full-year 2011 targets … and with that to deliver another year of above industry-average growth."

Mr Becht will be stepping down from his post before the end of the fiscal year and will be replaced by current executive vice-president for global category development Rakesh Kapoor.