BD reports strong performance in third quarter

BD has published its financial statement for the third quarter of its 2012 fiscal year, a period marked by encouraging growth for the life science and healthcare company.

Quarterly revenues rose by 1.5 percent year over year to $1.98 billion (1.27 billion pounds), thanks to the strong performance of the firm's medical and diagnostics business units.

During the quarter, the company agreed a deal to sell off the discovery labware unit of its biosciences division, while also announcing plans to acquire medical technology firm Safety Syringes.

BD also benefited from continued strength in emerging markets, driven by rising sales of safety-engineered products in these territories.

Vincent Forlenza, chairman, chief executive officer and president of BD, said: "As we anticipated, our revenue and earnings growth improved this quarter, demonstrating that our strategy implementation is on track and in line with our previously communicated expectations."

Last month, the company bolstered its leadership expertise with the appointment of Pew Charitable Trusts chief executive Rebecca Rimel to its board of directors.