Reckitt Benckiser stated strong growth from recent acquisitions - Strepsils and Nurofen - assisted it deliver a 15 per cent increase in full-year profits. The Anglo-Dutch firm of household products had net income of nearly £905 million in 2007 - aided by growth in revenues of nearly 7 per cent (£5.27 billion). Reckitt added brands like Air Wick Freshmatic and Vanish Oxi continued to do well whereas the Boots healthcare business that was acquired in 2006 for £1.93 billion had a 10 per cent ‘like-for-like’ sales improvement. The firm said this mirrored ‘substantial growth’ from Nurofen, Strepsils and Clearasil.
Reckitt owns other brands such as Disprin, Gavescon and Lemsip as well as many household products, including Dettol detergent, Calgon water softener and Cillit Bang. It just recently completed the cough mixture firm Adams’s acquisition for nearly £1.1 billion. The chief executive, Bart Becht, termed 2007 a ‘great year’, adding that the revenues growth was projected between 6 and 7 per cent in the coming year apart from a net income increase of 10 per cent. The first half of 2008 will witness many product launches that include a new Cillit Bang version for removing stains from surfaces in areas like the garage and kitchen. Europe generates over 50 per cent of the firm’s sales.

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