Dentsply reports record full-year sales figures

Dentsply has published its full-year financial results for 2011, a period that saw the company achieve its best ever annual performance.

The dental technology company's net sales came to $2.54 billion (1.61 billion pounds), up by 14.3 percent compared to 2010 thanks to the positive impact of acquisitions and currency issues, as well as strong internal growth.

Its acquisition of Astra Tech from AstraZeneca for $1.8 billion was among the most significant positive contributors, which helped compensate for negative factors such as the impact of the March 2011 tsunami on the Japanese market.

The global dental market as a whole saw an improved outlook in 2011, a trend that is expected to continue into 2012 despite the continuing volatility of the European economy.

Dentsply chairman and chief executive officer Bret Wise said: "We are pleased to report record sales and adjusted earnings for 2011. Our portfolio of new products has been particularly strong, driving market share gains across numerous categories."