Alcon has posted global sales of $1,536.4m for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 16.2 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2007.
In its quarterly statement, the company reported that net earnings for the assessed period increased 24 per cent to $429.4m, or $1.43 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $346.2m, or $1.14 per share for the first quarter of 2007.
Consumer eye care sales increased 12.1 per cent, or 6.2 per cent on a constant currency basis, to $210.1m for the first quarter. The company reported that sales of contact lens disinfectants grew 12.2 per cent, as Opti-Free Replenish and Opti-Free Express multipurpose solutions continued to hold their market share, gained, particularly in the US, following a competitor's recall in August 2007.
The publication of the 2008 first quarter results follows the announcement that Novartis has agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in Alcon from Nestlé for £11bn and has acquired the option to acquire further shares to secure a majority control. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals.