Reckitt Benckiser is encouraged by Q1 2009 results

Reckitt Benckiser is encouraged by a positive start to the year, it has claimed.

The health and personal care company reported today (April 28th) that net revenue for the first quarter of 2009 had increased by eight per cent compared to the same period last year to 1,911 million pounds.

Chief executive officer (CEO) of the firm Bart Becht noted the growth was primarily due to its 17 main brands, successful product initiatives and continued investment.

For the rest of the year, the firm is repeating its original 2009 targets of increasing net revenue by four per cent and improving net income growth of between eight and ten per cent, he added.

“While we are encouraged by this positive start to the year, the market backdrop clearly remains challenging,” commented Mr Becht.

Last month, Reckitt Benckiser’s CEO was named as European Business Leader of the Year by the Financial Times and CNBC.

Mr Becht said he was delighted with the accolade and voiced his appreciation of his colleague’s sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit.