Ansell reports good progress during 2013 business year

Ansell has reported strong financial results for the recently-completed 2013 business year, which ended on June 30th.

The company achieved a sales total of $1.37 billion (873.71 million pounds) during the 12 months, up by nine percent year on year, while earnings, profits and free cash flow levels also increased.

This momentum was achieved despite difficult trading conditions, with growth being fuelled by the recent completion of four strategic acquisitions, an expanded emerging market presence and the launch of 48 new products, as well as enhancements to its manufacturing capabilities.

Additionally, the firm was recently able to appoint Neil Salmon as its new chief financial officer, succeeding Rustom Jilla.

Ansell expects 2013's challenges to persist in 2014, but its earnings performance is still forecast to improve during the year.

Glenn Barnes, Ansell's chairman, said: "After a first half with results below expectations, the company delivered a much-improved second half performance and overall the full-year performance was very gratifying."