Sartorius raises full-year guidance

Posted on 22 August 2011

Sartorius has closed the first half of 2011, with double-digit growth rates in sales revenue and earnings.

"In both Group divisions and in all business regions, we have grown dynamically and profitably," says CEO Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg on the company's first-half results.

"Once again, our Asian business has been the biggest growth driver. We are especially happy about the numbers coming from this region."

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, Dr. Kreuzburg expects the outstanding growth rates in the more cyclical mechatronics division to gradually return to normal.

By contrast, for the biotechnology division that generates nearly two-thirds of consolidated revenue, he projects that growth will continue to remain dynamic.

Based on the company's successful first half, management raised its 2011 full-year guidance for sales revenue and profit.

Consolidated sales revenue is thus expected to grow on the basis of constant currencies from 6.4% in 2010 to between 8% and 10% (former guidance: 6% to 8%).

The operating margin is forecasted to increase from 13.0% in 2010 to between 14.5% and 15.5% (former guidance: around 14%).