GlaxoSmithKline consumer healthcare division sees rise in profit

GlaxoSmithKline’s consumer healthcare division has seen an 18.4 per cent rise in quarterly profit, it has been revealed.

The company attributed the increase from 275.1 million rupees (3.94 million pounds) a year ago to 325.8 million rupees to a growth in sales and control on costs.

The organisation’s net sales also went up 16 per cent to 3.33 billion rupees.

Managing director of the division Zubair Ahmed said the organisation continued its strong performance in 2008 “by achieving double-digit sales growth for yet another year”.

“This has been achieved through focus on existing brands and cost control measures.”

In October, GlaxoSmithKline declared its third-quarter results, noting its dividend had risen eight per cent to 0.14 pounds.

The company added its turnover during the period was 5.8 billion pounds, while earnings per share stood at 0.21 pounds.

Currently employing 100,000 people in over 100 countries, GlaxoSmithKline screens approximately 65 million compounds per year in medicine research.