Joshua Searle

Reckitt Benckiser plans moderate, brand-by-brand price increases in the UK and other markets to offset higher costs associated with oil prices and the ongoing Middle East conflict. Chief executive Kris Licht said the cost pressure remains manageable, while the company reported 4.2% like-for-like sales growth in its core brands and maintained its 4–5% full-year revenue-growth forecast. Underlying operating profit fell 14.3% to £1.47 billion in the first half, partly because of last year’s sale of a 70% stake in its Cillit Bang and Calgon division. Reckitt also announced a new share buyback programme of up to £500 million.