Synthes shows solid 2009 figures but is cautious
Swiss medical device maker Synthes reports a 12 per cent increase in net profit for 2009 but is careful about its short-term outlook.
The company, which makes implants and biomaterials used in surgery on the skeleton, says income increased to $824 million (SFr879 million) on sales of 3.4 billion (+6.3 per cent).
Synthes said on Wednesday that the start of 2010 had been encouraging after a disappointing fourth quarter.
“We are not satisfied with the fourth quarter top line (sales) growth; however, we are encouraged by the higher growth rate in early 2010,” commented Synthes chief executive Michel Orsinger.
“My personal focus this year is on keeping the innovation cycle high and on increasing the effectiveness of our sales force.”
A company statement said Synthese did not expect the “challenging market environment to change significantly in the short term”.
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