Sartorius raises 2012 forecasts following strong first half

Sartorius has raised its guidance for 2012 on the back of a strong financial performance for the first half of the year, characterised by better-than-expected growth.

The life science company generated sales revenue of 422.1 million euros (329.73 million pounds) during the six months, up by 19.3 percent year over year, with the acquisition of Biohit's liquid handling business playing a key role in this.

This takeover considerably boosted the performance of the company's laboratory products and services division, while the bioprocess solutions business unit was also highlighted as a notably strong performer.

Sartorius now expects its sales to grow by about 11 percent in constant currencies over 2012 as a whole, up from its former guidance of ten percent.

In addition, the company's adjusted earnings are also projected to increase by around 15 percent, provided that currency exchange rates remain as favourable as in the first half.

Earlier this month, Sartorius Stedim Biotech announced the launch of a new and improved version of its successful bioreactor series, Biostat B.