Fresenius posts strong third quarter

Fresenius achieved net income growth of 4.7 percent for the third quarter of 2011.

According to the German group's latest financial results, its earnings totalled 202 million euros (173.6 million pounds) for the three-month period.

The strong performance saw Fresenius improve its 2011 earnings guidance. It now expects to post constant currency net income growth in the upper half of the 15 percent to 18 percent range.

Chief executive Ulf Mark Schneider said the firm enjoyed a "very strong third quarter", boosted by an expansion strategy that combined organic growth and acquisitions.

"With a group EBIT margin of 16 percent and net income of 202 million euros we reached new all-time highs," he added.

He pointed to the acquisition of the private hospital chain Damp by the Fresenius Helios division as an example of the company's strengthening presence in Germany.

Fresenius Kabi, a leading company in the infusion therapy and clinical nutrition markets, reported sales of 3.6 billion euros (3.1 billion pounds) last year.