Ansell reports year-on-year growth in first half of fiscal 2013

Ansell has published its financial report for the first six months of the 2013 fiscal year, covering the period ending on December 31st 2012.

During the half-year period, the firm's sales total came to $648.1 million (4128.08 million pounds), up by six percent year over year, which was achieved despite negative trends such as the economic weakness of the European market.

The company was able to agree a number of acquisition deals during the half, including takeovers of Comasec and Preferred Surgical Products, which will help it to expand its capabilities and extend into its reach into new territories.

Additionally, the firm launched several new products, took on additional sales staff members and increased its research and development investments, which will help Ansell to achieve a strong second half of fiscal 2013.

Ansell's chairman Glenn Barnes said: "Given our strong balance sheet, cash generation and H2 earnings per share growth expectations, the board is announcing an increased interim dividend, as well as a new on-market share buyback of two to three million shares."

This comes after the company announced earlier this month that its new research and development centre in Sri Lanka is now fully operational.