Ansell reports strong results for half-year

Ansell has published its financial results for the half-year period ending on December 31st 2011, during which it experienced growth despite challenging business conditions.

The company generated sales of $611.5 million (385.06 million pounds) during the six months, up by five percent year over year, thanks primarily to the strong growth of its sexual wellness business and operations in emerging markets.

Improvements in these areas helped the company to offset a slow economic performance in developed markets, as well as costs pertaining to the introduction of enterprise resource planning software in the US.

The last half-year also saw Ansell strengthen its business foundations with the acquisitions of Sandel Medical and a minority stake in Yulex Corporation.

Ansell chairman Peter Barnes said: "The results have been solid and enable your Board to once again increase the interim dividend."

This comes after the company expanded its product range in December 2011 with the European launch of its new Gammex Powder-Free gloves with AMT Antimicrobial Technology.