Reckitt Benckiser profits up by 4%

Rakesh Kapoor, its chief executive, said the firm was on track to hit savings of £150m over three years

The ASA received a number of complaints after the advert was broadcast (Rex Features)

Nurofen owner Reckitt Benckiser defied the gloom among many consumer goods firms as it posted strong full-year profits yesterday.

The Cillit Bang to Vanish group said like-for-like sales rose by 6 per cent in the year to the end of December, pushing pre-tax profits up 4 per cent to £2.2bn compared with a year ago.

Reckitt Benckiser said its expansion was driven by a strong flu season at the beginning of the year, and by “outstanding” sales from key brands such as Scholl, Durex and Strepsils. It also benefited from strong performances in India and China. Its shares rose 405p, or 7 per cent, to 6,371p.

Rakesh Kapoor, its chief executive, said the firm was on track to hit savings of £150m over three years.