Reckitt Benckiser sees profits jump
Reckitt Benckiser (RB), the owner of brands including Cillit Bang and Nurofen, has reported a rise in sales and profits, boosted by new initiatives in its powerbrand portfolio.
The firm, which has just agreed to buy Durex brand owner SSL International, reported pre-tax profits of £971m in the six months to 30 June, up 18.9% from £816m in the same period in the previous year.
Revenue increased 6% to £4.1bn for the period compared to £3,8bn in the previous year.
Marketing investment over the period was higher, and total media investment rose 7% to account for 11.6% of net revenue (£471,000).
Bart Becht, RB CEO, says the performance benefited from “excellent growth in developing markets” and successful initiatives for its powerbrands.
The FMCG firm agreed to buy Durex brand owner SSL International in a £2.5bn deal earlier this month.
The firm has also restructured its marketing department, combining its household, personal care and healthcare marketing teams together under one marketing director, Stefen Gaa.
Read an analysis of the challenges facing Reckitt Benckiser following the acquisition of the Durex brand.
