Sanofi sees rising sales in first-quarter 2009 as Zentiva acquisition pays off

French drug major Sanofi-Aventis reported strong results for the first quarter of 2009, on a raft of growing drug sales and enhancements to its  generics business from the acquisition of Czech firm Zentiva, amongst  others (Marketletters passim).

The company's net income reached 2.17 billion euros ($2.85 billion), or  1.67 euros per share, versus 1.88 billion euros, or 1.43 euros per  share. Revenue was 7.11 billion euros, up 3%, while R&D costs rose 6% to  1.15 billion euros.

European turnover was down 1% to 2.98 million euros, while US sales fell  5% to 2.29 million euros. Sales in other countries rose 8% to 1.86  billion euros, including: Japan, jumping 14% to 510.0 million euros;  Asia-Pacific reaching 505.0 million euros, up 13%; and a 6% rise to  389.0 million euros for Latin America, all at constant currencies.