Sartorius raises guidance based on first-half performance

Sartorius has raised its forecasts for its full-year financial performance for 2011, based on the strength of its first-half figures.

The medical technology firm was able to achieve a 12.2 percent rise in consolidated sales revenue in the opening six months, reaching a total of 353.7 million euros (312.1 million pounds), while operating profit grew by 40.7 percent.

Growth was reflected across both its biotechnology division and smaller mechatronics business unit, with the highest gains noted in the Asia Pacific region.

As a result of this, the company is now expecting to achieve an increase in group sales of between eight and ten percent, compared to its previous guidance of six to eight percent.

Dr Joachim Kreuzburg, chief executive officer of Sartorius, said: "In both group divisions and in all business regions, we have grown dynamically and profitably."

Last month, the company agreed a new alliance with Sudpack Medica on the development, manufacturing and supply of polymer plastic films for the biopharmaceutical sector.