'Powerbrands' boost Reckitt profits by 11%

The firm, which also makes Vanish, Harpic and Dettol, said its second-quarter profits rose to £325 million. It said first-half profits rose by 8% to £600 million.

These increases followed an 11% rise in revenues over the first six months to £3.07 billion, driven by strong consumer demand for its best-selling "powerbrands".

The firm said it was on track to meet its sales and profits targets for the year and raised its halfyear dividend 28%, to 32p a share.