Fresenius forecasts strong 2012 on positive 2011 results

Fresenius has expressed confidence in its business prospects for 2012 based on the success of its growth initiatives during 2011.

The organisation's sales figures for the year came to 16.5 billion euros (13.95 billion pounds), up by three percent year over year, with earnings and net income also seeing sharp increases.

Sales growth was shown to be particularly robust in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America, with improved performance seen across its Fresenius Medical Care, Fresenius Kabi, Fresenius Helios and Fresenius Vamed units.

Fresenius previously increased its forecasts for its 2011 performance last December, thanks to the better-than-expected sales figures recorded in the third quarter.

These results have also led the company to propose a 19th consecutive dividend increase, while forecasting further sales growth of between ten and 13 percent over the coming year.

Ulf Mark Schneider, chief executive officer of Fresenius, said: "We continue to see exciting opportunities for organic and acquired growth in all of our business segments. We therefore enter 2012 full of confidence."