Sigma-Aldrich sees further growth in Q1 2013

Sigma-Aldrich has experienced strong year-on-year business growth in the first quarter of 2013, according to the life sciences firm's latest financial report.

The company's reported sales total for the period came to $675 million (435.79 million pounds), up by two percent year over year, while its diluted earnings per share (EPS) total came to $1.01, a new quarterly high.

Progress was made by all three of its newly-formed business units – comprising the research, applied and SAFC commercial divisions – with the group experiencing benefits from changing market conditions.

Rakesh Sachdev, the company's president and chief executive officer, said: "Our overall end markets remain steady with improving pharma trends offset by slower academic spending. We remain on track to achieve our 2013 full-year organic sales growth and adjusted EPS guidance."

Earlier this month, Sigma-Aldrich announced a new collaboration with Public Health England that will allow the business to distribute a range of cells and cellular extracts through its websites.