Zimmer reports earnings growth in third quarter

Zimmer has seen an encouraging business performance in the third quarter of 2010 marked by numerous signs of growth, according to the company's latest financial report.

The medical technology firm's earnings per share figure rose by 37.1 percent year-on-year during the three months ending on September 30th 2010, while net sales came to $965 million (602.3 million pounds).

This builds on the encouraging performance noted in its report for the second quarter, during which $1.1 billion was generated in sales.

Net earnings also saw an increase compared to the corresponding period of last year, which has led the company to increase its guidance for the remainder of 2010.

David Dvorak, Zimmer's president and chief executive officer, welcomed the strong performance of the firm despite what he described as "challenging" economic conditions.

He added: "We believe that our continued progress with new product introductions across our businesses will position us for an improved performance in the fourth quarter and accelerated growth beyond 2010 as the economy strengthens."