Sanofi sees 2011 sales growth following Genzyme takeover

Sanofi has experienced extensive business benefits in 2011 as a result of its acquisition of fellow healthcare company Genzyme.

Figures from the organisation's 12-month financial report shows that its net sales for the year came to 33.39 billion euros (28.03 billion pounds), up by 3.2 percent on a reported basis, while fourth quarter sales proved particularly strong.

The positive impact of the Genzyme acquisition plus sales of H1N1 influenza vaccines helped to offset the impact of sales lost due to generic competition, while revenues from growth platforms saw a double-digit increase.

Other areas of strong positive growth included Sanofi's operations in emerging markets, as well as its diabetes and vaccine franchises.

Sanofi's chief executive officer Christopher Viehbacher said: "The robust performance of our diversified growth platforms, the reduced exposure to future patent expiries and progress on research and development position Sanofi for a period of sustainable growth."

Earlier this month, the company made a pledge to increase its investment in combating neglected tropical diseases, as part of a global initiative led by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and World Health Organization.