Reckitt Benckiser revenues up in first quarter

Reckitt Benckiser has published its financial report for the first quarter of the year, during which the company’s revenues grew to two billion pounds.

Net revenue for the January to March 2010 period advanced by six per cent compared to the same quarter of last year, with the company’s consumer health and personal care division contributing 524 million pounds of the total.

Heartburn and indigestion product Gavsicon was highlighted as a strong performer in this category, helping to offset lower sales of Mucinex and Strepsils because of the unusually mild flu season.

The company’s pharmaceuticals division also enjoyed a strong quarter, with sales of Subutex and Suboxone helping to drive unit sales up by 30 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2009.

Bart Becht, chief executive officer of Reckitt Benckiser, said: “These results reinforce our confidence in achieving continued good growth in 2010.”

Last month, the company announced the selection of Salvatore Caizzone as executive vice-president of its European operations, an appointment that comes into effect in May.