Fresenius-Group has posted strong performance during the first quarter ended March 2012 and its net income jumped by 80 per cent to Euro 230 million from Euro 128 million in the corresponding period of last year. The Group's sales increased by 13 per cent to Euro 4,419 million from Euro 3,923 million. Based on the Group's strong better results, it raises its guidance for the year 2012.

Fresenius-Group, consisting of Fresenius Medical Care, Fresenius Kabi, Fresenius Helios, Fresenius Vamed and Corporate/other, achieved EBDITA of 14 per cent to Euro 838 million from Euro 737 million in the similar period of last year. EBDITA margin worked out to 19 per cent as against 18.8 per cent. Its R&D expenditure increased by 13 per cent to Euro 71 million from Euro 63 million.

The Group's sales growth in North America was 14 per cent to Euro 1,870 million and the same in Europe was 10 per cent to Euro 1,801 million. Its sales growth was strong at 11 per cent Asia-Pacific to Euro 423 million and in Latin America it was 22 per cent to Euro 254 million. Sales in Africa were impacted by the political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa and declined by 7 per cent to Euro 71 million..

The sales of Fresenius Medical Care improved by 14 per cent to Euro 2,478 million during the first quarter ended March 2012 from Euro 2,181 million and its net income went up by 16 per cent to Euro 186 million from Euro 161 million. Another group company Fresenius Kabi also reported sales growth of 14 per cent to Euro 1,092 million from Euro 960 million and its net profit improved by 13 per cent to Euro 98 million from Euro 87 million.  Fresenius Helios registered sales growth of 11 per cent to Euro 717 million its net profit moved up by 24 per cent to Euro 41 million from Euro 33 million.

The Group spent Euro 151 million on property, plant and equipment and its acquisition spending was Euro 1,927 million. This is primarily due to the completion of Fresenius Medical Care's acquisition of Liberty Dialysis Holdings, Inc. as well as of the acquisition of Damp Group by Fresenius Helios.