Reckitt Benckiser has notched up double-digit improvements in sales and profits for the past three months, despite a slight dip in like-for-like sales in Europe.

Third-quarter sales at the Cillt Bang maker rose by 11% to £2.11bn, with operating profits up more than a fifth (21%) to £564m.

For the year to date, sales were up 9% to £6.17bn – although European sales declined by 1% on a like-for-like basis. Growth in health & personal care, home care and dishwashing was offset by a slow performance for the fabric care business.

Chief executive Bart Becht (pictured) said the “strong results” were due to “an excellent performance in developing markets and the success of Power Brand innovations such as the Dettol No-Touch Hand Soap System”.

The results come after Reckitt yesterday announced it had completed its £2.5bn acquisition of Durex maker SSL International.

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