Henry Schein sales up 11.5 percent for third quarter

Henry Schein's net sales increased by 11.5 percent to reach $2.1 billion (1.3 billion pounds) in the third quarter of 2011.

According to the New York-based company's latest financial update, net income for the three-month period stood at $92 million or $0.99 per diluted share.

Although the firm signalled a cautious approach for the next few months by forecasting 2012 earnings below market estimates, it was boosted by the better-than-expected performance of its dental division during the third quarter

"Growth in sales of dental consumable merchandise is slightly ahead of our estimate for market growth and we believe reflects consistent patient traffic to dental offices," said Stanley Bergman, chairman and chief executive of Henry Schein.

Dental sales in North America increased by 2.5 percent to reach $682.4 million during the quarter.

Earlier this year, Henry Schein strengthened its dental business in France by acquiring the Marseille-based dental distribution firm Sogim Grimouille.